Growing Organic Citrus
— building supply capability—
by David Madge
July 2008
RIRDC Publication No 08/127
RIRDC Project No DAV-233A
© 2008 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
All rights reserved.
ISBN1 74151 716 8
ISSN 1440-6845
Growing Organic Citrus—building supply capability
Publication No. 08/127
Project No. DAV-233A
The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion
and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in
this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.
While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct,
the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.
The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the
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The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.
This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are
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should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165
Researcher Contact Details
David G. Madge
DPI Mildura
Box 905
Mildura Victoria 3502
Phone: 03 50514500
Fax:
03 50514523
Email: [email protected]
In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form.
RIRDC Contact Details
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
Level 2, 15 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600
PO Box 4776
KINGSTON ACT 2604
Phone: 02 6271 4100
Fax:
02 6271 4199
Email: [email protected].
Web:
http://www.rirdc.gov.au
Published in July 2008
Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Union Offset Printing, Canberra
ii
Foreword
Within the citrus industry—one of Australia’s major horticultural producers and exporters—there has
been growing interest in improving the industry’s overall environmental performance, specifically in
organic production. This interest has been driven by market demands, the global trend towards
reduced impact of agriculture and concerns regarding soil health.
One of the barriers to increased adoption of organic practices has typically been the lack of relevant
information, or ease of access to that information.
This report documents a range of industry issues and statistics collated during the development of a
technical manual for organic citrus production that is published separately.
The manual is intended to address the specific information needs of organic citrus producers and
growers who are interested in conversion to organic, while also bridging the gap between ‘standard’
and organic methods to ease the transition for growers who seek to change selected practices for
environmental and marketing reasons.
A key aim of the project was to encourage and support increased conversion of citrus production to
organic methods – a positive outcome in relation to development of the organic industry, improved
agricultural sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Australian Government.
This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1800 research publications and forms part
of our Organics Research and Development Program, that aims to deliver R&D to facilitate the
organic industry’s capacity to meet rapidly increasing demand, domestically and globally.
Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our
website www.rirdc.gov.au.
Peter O’Brien
Managing Director
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
iii
Acknowledgments
The author sincerely thanks RIRDC, DPI Victoria and the Murray Valley Citrus Board for their
financial support for this project. The board in particular has seen fit to provide some tangible support
for organic producers through this current project and other industry activities in the past, seeing
‘organics’ as a valid component of the overall citrus industry.
Thanks also to the Biological Farmers of Australia, Organic Food Chain, Organic Growers of
Australia and National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia, for their assistance in
distributing the initial survey to their registered citrus growers, and to the growers from all seven states
who responded.
And of course, many thanks to the organic citrus producers in Western Australia, South Australia,
Victoria and New South Wales for their hospitality and openness, welcoming me into their homes and
orchards and sharing their considerable experience and knowledge.
iv
Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................. iv
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................ vii
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Objectives............................................................................................................................................... 2
Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Engaging the organic industry ...........................................................................................................3
Determining production barriers & information requirements ..........................................................4
Technical documentation of practices ...............................................................................................4
Knowledge, skill and technology gaps ..............................................................................................5
Detailed Results ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Organic grower & CITTgroup member surveys................................................................................6
Organic industry statistics & issues ...................................................................................................6
CITTgroup member feedback & issues ...........................................................................................11
Barriers to industry growth ..............................................................................................................12
Information requirements.................................................................................................................14
Documentation of organic management practices ...........................................................................15
Knowledge Gaps.................................................................................................................................. 17
Practical orchard management .........................................................................................................17
Business management & decision support.......................................................................................19
Discussion of Results ........................................................................................................................... 20
Implications.......................................................................................................................................... 21
Recommendations ............................................................................................................................... 22
Appendix 1: Grower survey ............................................................................................................... 23
Appendix 2: CITTgroup member surveys ........................................................................................ 24
Appendix 3: Publications.................................................................................................................... 25
Promotional......................................................................................................................................25
Technical..........................................................................................................................................25
Appendix 4: Communication activities ............................................................................................. 26
v
vi
Executive Summary
What the report is about
This report documents a range of industry issues and statistics collated during the development of a
technical manual for organic citrus production (published separately).
Who is the report targeted at?
The report’s intended audience includes:
• relevant Research and Development Corporations (Rural Industries Research and Development
Corporation (RIRDC) and Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL))
• State Primary Industry departments
• citrus industry organisations (Australian Citrus Growers, various local citrus boards)
The manual itself is targeted to existing and potential organic citrus producers, and ‘conventional’
producers who are interested in adopting selected aspects of organic management.
Background
Within the citrus industry, which is one of Australia’s major
One barrier to increased
horticultural producers and exporters, there has been growing
adoption of organic practices
interest in organic production as well as in improving the
has been the lack of relevant
industry’s overall environmental performance. This has been
information
driven by market demands, the global trend towards reduced
impact of agriculture and a perceived deterioration in local soil
condition. One barrier to increased adoption of organic practices has been the lack of relevant
information, or ease of access to it.
Aims/Objectives
The aim of the project was to document practices and approaches to organic citrus production to help
existing organic producers to improve their management, and potentially new organic producers to
develop effective organic orchard systems. By doing this, the project sought to:
• better position the citrus industry to exploit existing and future opportunities in domestic and
international markets
• support citrus growers in the transition to more sustainable crop and land management.
Methods used
Surveys of organic and ‘conventional’ citrus producers were used to gather basic industry statistics
and information on major issues and barriers to industry expansion. The review of local and
international, scientific and technical literature and organic production standards, discussions with
researchers, interviews with experienced organic producers and inspections of their production
systems were used to document organic orchard management practices.
vii
Results/Key findings
The industry…has the
potential for over 50% growth
within existing organic
producers
A manual for orchard management was developed for the
organic citrus industry. The industry is small (possibly 1.6% of
citrus overall) but has the potential for over 50% growth within
existing organic producers. There is also considerable interest
in ‘organics’ amongst non-certified citrus producers, with
almost 40% of surveyed CITTgroup1 members managing organically or interested in organic
conversion. Market demand/access is a barrier to expansion of existing organic enterprises, while lack
of information and concerns regarding pest and weed management are barriers to new entrants to the
industry.
Implications for Industry
The manual produced through this project will significantly
Producers can now move
increase the volume and accessibility of information relevant to
more confidently through the
the organic management of citrus in Australia. With this
organic conversion process
resource, producers can now move more confidently through
the organic conversion process, and thus contribute to building
of the industry’s capability in organic production. The issues of
inadequate market demand and access however, are likely to dampen the industry’s potential for
growth, and need to be addressed.
Recommendations
1. The technical manual should be publicised and readily accessible
The ‘organic citrus technical manual’ should be promoted through organic and ‘conventional’ media
and organisations and made freely available electronically, via RIRDC’s Internet site and the organic
pages of DPI Victoria’s Internet site.
2. The CITTgroup network should be used to support organic-oriented producers
The CITTgroup network encompasses numerous growers with an interest in organics and should be
used to support those growers through mentoring and the dissemination of relevant information. The
network could also be used to ascertain the information, skill and other needs of the citrus industry’s
organic sector.
3. Market development should be investigated
Limitations and developmental requirements of domestic and export markets for Australian organic
citrus should be investigated, preferably through a RIRDC/HAL partnership.
1
Citrus Information and Technology Transfer groups
viii
Introduction
The citrus industry is an important contributor to
Australian horticulture, covering close to 30,000
ha2 and producing fruit worth about $470 million
(2004/05)3. It is also Australia’s largest fresh fruit
exporter, earning up to $200 million annually.
The peak year of 2002 saw $200m earned from
the export of 162,000 tonnes of fruit, of which
only 410 tonnes were organic. As this indicates,
the market share for organic food is currently
small. However, high growth rates are occurring
in all affluent countries, a trend that is likely to
continue whilst consumers become increasingly
aware of health and environmental issues and
Organic citrus – a small industry with good growth
express their concerns about chemical use and
potential
preferences for ‘clean & green’ produce through
their purchasing patterns.
International competition also continues to put pressure on the Australian industry to increase its
global competitiveness and points of difference. In addition, concerns have been expressed within
industry regarding a) its position in relation to global trends towards reduced chemical inputs in
agriculture, and b) a perceived deterioration in soil condition under current management regimes.
The considerable potential for growth in organic citrus marketing, particularly exports, is tempered by
several factors. These include limited production capability; quarantine issues for which some markets
require specific field treatments; and challenges in matching the requirements of Australian and
importing countries’ organic standards and quarantine requirements.
To improve our capability in organic production and ability to meet the changing market requirements
requires increased rates of conversion to organic management. Australian and overseas experience has
consistently indicated that adoption of organic practices is hindered by inadequate production and
marketing information4 and a lack, or perceived lack, of scientifically backed solutions to weed, pest,
nutritional and other management problems.
This project was established to address the specific information needs of organic citrus producers,
while also bridging the gap between ‘standard’ and organic methods to ease the transition for growers
who are interested in changing practices for environmental and marketing reasons.
A key aim of the project was to encourage and support increased conversion of citrus production to
organic methods – a positive outcome in relation to agricultural sustainability and environmental
impact. It sought to do this by addressing specific information needs of a) citrus growers interested in
converting to full organic production, and b) growers who seek to adopt selected organic practices,
compliant with the organic standards of Australia and key export markets. It also reports on gaps in
knowledge, skills and technology relating to organic citrus production, in an effort to identify
opportunities for further research or education.
2
3
Australian Citrus Growers, http://www.australiancitrusgrowers.com.au/, accessed April 2008.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced, 2004/05.
4
e.g. RIRDC (2003) Australian Organics Quarterly Update #9; FAO (1999) Committee on Agriculture, 15th Session (Rome),
Organic Agriculture; Titcumb, S and Eagling, D. (1999) Lessons from the United States organic industry.
1
Objectives
The key objectives of this project were to:
•
better position the citrus industry to exploit existing and future opportunities in domestic and
international markets
•
support citrus growers in the transition to more sustainable crop and land management.
These objectives were pursued through the use of producer studies, anecdotal evidence, research of
scientific and technical literature and industry liaison in order to:
•
understand the production requirements for organic citrus for access to key export markets
•
document technical requirements for production of citrus in compliance with organic standards of
Australia and key importing countries, and
•
facilitate adoption of organic production techniques by the Australian citrus industry.
Key deliverables of the project are:
•
a technical manual of citrus management practices that conform to Australia’s national organic
standard and the standards of key importing countries
•
a report on knowledge, skills and technology gaps related to organic citrus production
Although not a stated objective, it was also intended to gather some basic statistical data on the organic
sector of the citrus industry during the project.
2
Methodology
Engaging the organic industry
Broad producer survey
A postal survey of certified organic citrus producers across Australia (Appendix 1: Grower survey)
was carried out early in the project to capture basic information on orchard management practices and
issues, and industry statistics. Organic certification organisations operating in Australia were contacted
and informed of the project, its objectives and methodology. Assistance in contacting certified citrus
producers was sought from these organisations.
Although many certified organic producers have their product and contact details listed on their
certifier’s Internet pages, some choose not to do this. To make contact with as many producers as
possible while maintaining confidentiality, the four certifiers with citrus producers on their books were
provided with introductory letters, survey questionnaires and reply-paid envelopes to distribute to their
citrus growers, or with an electronic version for distribution via email. A considerable amount of
follow-up contact was carried out by phone and email in an attempt to maximise the rate of response
from producers. This was considered important not only for the survey, but to broaden the range of
producers who could be selected for detailed on-site interviews.
As an added incentive to return the questionnaires, one producer from each state was randomly
selected to receive a ‘reward’ - their choice from two citrus IPM guides.
In-depth producer interviews and orchard inspections
From responses to the postal survey, 16 producers (17 separate orchards) across the main citrus
growing districts were selected for a detailed on-site interview and inspection of orchard management.
This was largely a fact-finding exercise in terms of orchard practice, but was also used to clarify
specific problems for individual producers in relation to the production of organic citrus.
The orchards were in the following states/regions:
•
New South Wales: Central Coast, North Coast, Riverina
•
Victoria: Murray Valley
•
South Australia: Riverland
•
Western Australia: 200km north and south of Perth
During the visits, the author spent an average of four hours with each producer. The actual time ranged
from 2.5 to eight hours, depending on the orchard size and complexity of management. Additional
time was then spent by the author to photograph aspects of each orchard. Most aspects of orchard
management, from site selection to waste disposal were addressed during the interview and orchard
inspection.
In recognition of the increasing demands on their time, producers were reimbursed financially for the
time spent with the author.
3
Determining production barriers & information requirements
Clarification of barriers to the adoption of organic management by ‘conventional’ citrus producers and
expansion by organic producers was sought through the postal survey and face-to-face interviews with
producers described above, and surveys of CITTgroup members.
As well as capturing information on management practices and industry statistics, the postal survey
also queried growers on their desire and intention to expand their organic production within the next
five years, and their reasons for not pursuing expansion if that was the case.
The on-site interviews were also used to follow-up and clarify issues limiting the expansion of
individual enterprises.
CITTgroup surveys (Appendix 2: CITTgroup member surveys) were used in several districts to survey
group members attending meetings, regarding their interest in the organic approach, and where
relevant, their reasons for not following up that interest.
Producers’ preferences regarding sources and formats of agricultural information were also sought
through the CITTgroup surveys.
Technical documentation of practices
The majority of project time was focused on the search for, collection and filtering of relevant
information suitable for inclusion in the ‘technical manual’. It is this process, and the time involved,
that typically puts much relevant information beyond the reach of most producers – the reason for
which the project was initiated. During this process, the author reviewed a large volume of information
from the following sources:
•
Australian and international scientific publications
•
industry technical publications
•
organic production standards from Australia, USA and Japan
•
on-site studies of selected certified organic producers in the major citrus growing regions
•
the postal survey of certified organic citrus producers across seven states
•
direct contact with researchers
•
the author’s 19 years experience with the organic horticulture industry.
An effort was made, wherever possible, to avoid duplication of readily-accessible information, and
focus on assembling an organic perspective of the various aspects of citrus production. Where it was
considered useful or necessary, more detailed background information on particular topics was
included in the text or references to support and encourage those growers who seek a deeper
understanding of the processes in action within their organic orchard systems.
4
Knowledge, skill and technology gaps
The process used to document organic management practices also highlighted deficiencies within the
industry, i.e. gaps in knowledge, skills or technology that limit the success or growth of the organic
sector.
These gaps are reported here to allow industry development activities such as research and awareness
programs to target the key issues limiting the industry.
5
Detailed Results
Organic grower & CITTgroup member surveys
At the start of the project (July 2006) approximately 115 growers registered with organic certification
organisations in Australia were listed as producing organic or Bio-Dynamic citrus. Responses to the
postal survey were received from 46 (41%) of those producers. Another 31 producers were contacted
directly by the author, and discounted from further involvement on the basis that they no longer grew
citrus, had very few citrus trees or did not want to participate in the project (three producers).
Growers who responded to the survey were registered with the certifiers listed below and were
distributed across the states as shown in Table 1.
•
BFA/ACO Biological Farmers of Australia/Australian Certified Organic
•
NASAA National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia
•
OGA Organic Growers of Australia
Table 1. Postal survey of organic citrus producers: responses by state
NSW
VIC
SA
WA
QLD
NT
TAS
13
10
7
7
6
2
1
During CITTgroup meetings in the NSW coastal district, Western Australia, Sunraysia and the SA
Riverland, 81 group members responded to a brief questionnaire survey of their interest and issues
regarding organic management of citrus.
Data from the postal and CITTgroup surveys are presented below.
Organic industry statistics & issues
Some basic statistics relating to Australia’s organic citrus industry, as represented by the 41% of
producers who responded to the postal survey, are shown in the following tables. Data relating to
‘Total industry’ or ‘all orchards/producers’ were obtained from the Australian Citrus Growers5 (ACG),
March 2008.
Size of industry. The 238 ha of certified citrus managed by survey respondents (Table 2) make up
only 0.8% of Australia’s total citrus plantings. It is therefore possible that about 1.6% of Australia’s
citrus plantings are organic/Bio-Dynamic, if the certified plantings managed by non-respondents to the
survey are of similar area to those of the respondents.
5
http://www.australiancitrusgrowers.com/aspdev/industry/plantings.asp
6
Table 2. Land management by organic citrus producers responding to the postal survey
Total Ha
Average Ha
Maximum Ha
Area of land managed
4379
97
1451
Area of citrus managed
348
8
116
Area of citrus certified
238
5
34
A point worth noting from Table 2 is that given the right conditions (e.g. market demand, conversion
support), the area of certified citrus could be increased by about 46% by conversion of non-certified
plantings already managed by certified producers.
Certification status. The lack of pre-certification orchards in the survey (Table 3) is not a true
reflection of reality. Although the survey invited responses from producers in pre-certification, later
discussions indicated that some such producers felt they could not contribute due to existing workload
or lack of experience.
Table 3. Certified orchard area by certification status
Hectares
Pre
certification
Organic
conversion
Bio-Dynamic
conversion
Organic
Bio-Dynamic
0
13
1
164
60
Orchard size. As can be seen in Figure 1, the size
distribution of certified orchards approximates
that of the overall industry. It is however skewed
towards smaller property size, and just six
orchards make up half the total certified area
covered by the survey.
Almost 70% of organic orchards are less than
5ha
7
60
Organic
Total industry
Percent of orchards
50
40
30
20
10
0
< 0.25
0.25-5
5.1-10
10.1-20
>20
Size range of orchards (ha)
Figure 1. Size distribution of organic citrus orchards managed by postal survey respondents
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
Organic
pomelo+other
Valencia
tangelo
orange
navel
mandarin
lemon/lime
0%
grapefruit
Variety share of total hectares
Variety mix. As with property size, the variety mix of certified orchards (Figure 2) reflects that of the
industry overall.
Total industry
Figure 2. Variety mix of organic orchards compared to total citrus industry
Fruit destination & end-use. Of the 46 respondents, only four, all in Victoria, were exporting organic
fruit (Table 4). This suggests an opportunity for benefits from export market development, especially
given that ‘marketing’ is amongst the major problems associated with organic production (Table 6).
8
Table 4. Market destiny of organic fruit
Fruit destiny
Export
Local
Fresh
Juice
Processed
4
43
42
13
2
Number of orchards
Industry expansion. Of the respondents who are planning to expand their organic orchard area (Table
5), only one could do so by certifying some of the non-organic citrus that is currently under their
management. The others would need to plant or acquire new orchards.
Table 5. Intended expansion of organic production
Orchards with expansion planned within
next 5 years
15
(33% of survey respondents)
Total Ha of planned expansion
38
(16% increase over area currently certified by
survey respondents)
In the following three tables the ‘weighted rating’ reflects the priority given to each issue, where the
respondents could nominate more than one issue.
Problem issues for organic producers. Not
surprisingly, pest and weed management rated
highly as problem issues under organic
management (Table 6). Marketing, especially in
relation to market access by smaller producers,
was also a key problem issue, along with overall
soil and nutrition management.
Pest management is a key issue for organic
producers
9
Table 6. Major problem areas related to organic citrus production
% of survey
respondents
Weighted rating
Pests
54%
23.25
Weeds
46%
18.25
Marketing
24%
8.00
Soil mgt & nutrition
24%
7.75
Labour & time
20%
6.00
Diseases
15%
6.00
Costs
15%
5.50
Perceived benefits of organic production. Premium prices, enhanced market access and better fruit
quality were perceived as the major benefits of organic citrus management (Table 7).
Table 7. Major benefits associated with organic production of citrus
% of survey
respondents
Weighted rating
Price/Marketing
48%
19.60
Fruit quality
43%
19.40
Environmental
39%
16.80
Personal health
20%
8.20
Avoid chemical use
15%
6.80
Personal satisfaction
13%
6.20
Priorities for improving viability. When asked what would help to improve the management or
profitability of their enterprise, organic citrus producers rated ‘information’ well ahead of all other
priority areas (Table 8). Specialised equipment (e.g. off-set slashers and compost mixers/turners) were
also rated reasonably highly, along with time (including paid labour) and marketing (promotion, skills,
access).
Table 8. Top priorities for improving management or profitability of organic citrus enterprises
% of survey
respondents
Weighted rating
Information
52%
25.75
Equipment
37%
15.25
Labour/time
28%
10.25
Marketing
24%
9.25
Skills
17%
6.25
7%
2.00
Herbicide
10
CITTgroup member feedback & issues
Current interest in organics. A significant level of interest in organic production methods was shown
by CITTgroup members who attended meetings at which the survey questionnaire was distributed
(Table 9). Over 45% of respondents were either already certified as organic/Bio-Dynamic, interested
in converting to organic or considered that they were already managing their orchards organically. The
validity of the latter response would need to be confirmed by individual follow-up, given the varied
perceptions that many growers have regarding ‘what constitutes organic’.
Another 41% of respondents expressed interest in specific aspects of organic management rather than
wholesale conversion. This group represents an important sector of the industry – ‘conventional’
producers who are already open to benefiting from knowledge and experience embodied within the
organic sector, and who may have a role in helping to ‘bridge the gap’ between the two sectors.
Table 9. Current organic 'status' and interest of CITTgroup members
% of respondents
currently certified organic/Bio-Dynamic
5.0%
not certified but:
managing organically
12.5%
interested in converting to organic
21.3%
interested in aspects of organics
45.0%
not interested in organics
16.3%
Table 10 lists the major reasons given by CITTgroup members for their interest in organics. The top
four reasons are amongst the top benefits of organic production as perceived by currently certified
organic producers (Table 7). It is interesting that while certified producers rated fruit quality highly as
a benefit of organics, the ‘interested’ CITTgroup members did not note it as a reason for their interest.
Table 10. Main reasons for CITTgroup member interest in organics
% of respondents
environment/sustainability/farm & soil health
39%
reduced chemical use/dependence
27%
price premium/market demand
18%
personal health
10%
believe it is the way of the future for the industry
8%
11
Barriers to industry growth
An indication of real or perceived barriers that could potentially limit growth of the organic sector of
the citrus industry can be gained by considering:
•
why currently certified producers are not expanding
•
what problems potential organic producers believe they would have to overcome to ‘go organic’
•
what has prevented producers from converting to organic in the past
•
why some producers are not interested in organics.
The main reasons given by certified producers for not planning to expand their organic citrus
enterprise (Table 11) were inadequate access to markets, time and land. The issue of market access
was raised by a mix of small, medium and larger producers. Small producers in particular, especially
those with just one or two citrus varieties and no other organic product, found it hard to access
markets. The key issues appeared to be the lack of product diversity desired by the markets, and smallvolume producers being squeezed out of markets by larger suppliers.
The only issue related to actual production of
fruit, and given a reasonable priority by certified
producers, was that of production costs (capital
and labour). This suggests that although existing
organic producers do have production issues,
they do not consider those issues as
insurmountable barriers to expansion.
In contrast, the major problems foreseen by
potential organic producers were the production
related issues of weed and pest management, and
access to management information (Table 12).
Lack of information and concerns about weed
management were also key reasons for growers
deciding against ‘going organic’ in the past
(Table 13).
Weed management is a concern for potential
new organic producers
Table 11. Reasons given for non-expansion of organic production by currently certified
producers
% of respondents
Insufficient markets
20%
No time
15%
No land
13%
No water
7%
Capital & labour costs
7%
Close to retirement
4%
Other
2%
12
Table 12. Major organic management issues envisaged by non-certified CITTgroup members
% of respondents
weed control
36%
pest management
23%
lack of knowledge/access to information & knowledge
11%
finances/costs
11%
nutrient supply
11%
time requirement
8%
Table 13. CITTgroup member reasons for not adopting organic management in the past
% of respondents
weed control
24%
lack of information
13%
insufficient time
13%
finances, concern about cost-effectiveness
13%
proximity to ‘conventional’ neighbours
11%
The issues of time and finance are common between the three preceding tables. This is not surprising
given that the responses reflect producers’ feelings about taking on ‘something new’.
The CITTgroup members who stated that they were not interested in organics listed the following
reasons:
•
takes time; already struggling to exist
•
retiring/too old to start
•
soils unsuitable – require high levels of inputs
•
concern about ethics-‘overpriced poor quality fruit’
•
concern about costs & returns, poorer yields
•
concern about proximity to neighbours (risk of spray drift)
•
concern about ‘plant stress’
While some of these points require clarification, it is possible that at least the last four could be
addressed by awareness and education, including case studies of successful organic producers.
13
Information requirements
Key information requirements of respondents to the organic producer postal survey were, in order of
priority:
•
organic production (no particular issue specified)
•
soil management/nutrition
•
pest & disease management
•
weed management
•
allowable inputs
•
marketing
Information regarding soil, pest and weed management was also highly rated by CITTgroup members,
as shown in Table 14.
Table 14. Key information requirements of CITTgroup members interested in organics
% of respondents
soil requirements/nutrition/compost use
48%
pest & disease management
29%
weed management
29%
allowable input products & their use
10%
conversion/certification requirements & timeframe
6%
The sources of information used by CITTgroup members of differing ‘organic interest’ are shown in
Figure 3. The most notable difference between the three groups of growers (‘already managing their
orchards organically’, ‘interested in converting to organic management’ and ‘interested in aspects of
organic management’) was that growers already using organic management are much more likely than
the other groups to seek information from other growers.
14
Percentage of each interest group
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Managing organically
other growers
Interested in conversion
field walks
internet
Interested in aspects
printed
ag suppliers
Figure 3. Preferred information sources for CITTgroup members
Of the CITTgroup members who use printed publications as an information source, 60% expressed a
preference for ‘brief technical articles’ while 38% preferred ‘in-depth publications’.
Documentation of organic management practices
Postal survey
One use of the postal survey of certified
producers was to generate a snapshot of current
approaches to a range of orchard management
issues. The results are listed in Table 15. Points of
particular interest were:
•
the level of manual weed control used largely
to replace herbicides
•
the use of grazing for weed management
(initially included cattle but now all poultry)
•
the relatively low proportion of growers who
considered it necessary to carry out pest or
disease management activities
Grazing geese are one approach to weed
management used by organic producers
15
Technical manual
The major output of this project is the ‘Organic citrus technical manual’ (to be published separately by
RIRDC). This publication is a comprehensive resource for organic and non-organic producers alike,
containing practical, hands-on information regarding organic citrus management. It also discusses
concepts and approaches relevant to the development of more sustainable orchard systems and
includes resource and reference lists for those producers who want to delve more deeply into particular
topics.
The organic standards of America6, Japan7 and China8 were consulted in detail during compilation of
the manual, to ensure that the practices documented in the manual were in compliance with those
standards, or where necessary, that differences and additional requirements of those standards were
highlighted to producers.
By integrating technical information and requirements of standards with the knowledge and practices
of existing growers, the manual will help aspiring organic growers to assess their own situation and
capabilities, and determine the best way forward with increased confidence in their decision making.
The inclusion of local grower practices is an important aspect of the manual as it adds a ‘real life’ face
to the technical content.
Table 15. General management approaches used by respondents to the postal survey
Percent of survey respondents using particular practices
weed management
slasher
hand
weeding
mulch
brushcutter
graze
livestock
58%
37%
26%
23%
14%
compost
fertiliser
45%
26%
pest & disease management
nil
biological
control
oil spray
cultivation
copper spray
lightbrown apple moth
79%
16%
5%
mealybug
70%
19%
7%
thrips
65%
16%
5%
scale insects
30%
28%
30%
snails
65%
14%
fungal diseases
70%
nutrition management
12%
9%
6
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Part 205: National Organic Program (United States Department of
Agriculture, 2007)
7
Japanese Agricultural Standard for Organic Plants (Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, 2006)
8
National Standards for Organic Products (Standardization Administration of China, 2005)
16
Knowledge Gaps
During this project, gaps in information, knowledge, skills and technology within the organic citrus
industry were identified by producers and the author. These gaps limit the development and
improvement of individual organic citrus enterprises, and growth of the industry as a whole. These
gaps are not unique to the organic citrus industry – there are numerous similarities to those applying to
organic viticulture and they are more likely indicative of the needs of organic producers generally.
The key gaps listed below are generally applicable to most or all enterprises. Some may currently
apply to particular enterprises where the producer has an interest in a specific area of development, but
addressing these gaps is also likely to benefit producers more broadly.
In some cases these gaps are addressed generally by the technical manual produced through this
project, but require more enterprise-specific attention (e.g. in relation to particular soil conditions) to
support on-the-ground advances in management. Others relate to information or services that may be
available through industry but have not necessarily reached all producers, especially those with smallscale enterprises.
Practical orchard management
Information/knowledge/skills of producers
1. Soil management for tree health and nutrition, including soil biology, organic matter cycling,
decomposition, nutrient release rates, compost production and use, native vegetation.
There is increasing interest in organic management of soil from a nutritional, biological, physical and
water management point of view, but practice change is limited by a lack of (or limited access to) local
soil management expertise. This includes expertise in integrated nutrition management – a vital aspect,
given the requirement that nutrient management rely primarily on natural nutrient cycling and
recycling rather than continual input of organic fertilisers. Incorporation of native or exotic vegetation
(e.g. leguminous trees) in orchards for potential benefits including nutrient cycling, allelopathic
suppression of soil-borne pests and diseases, and income diversity is also an area of interest suffering a
lack of knowledge.
2. Pest management: identification and monitoring of pests and beneficial species, habitat
management for pest control, management strategies for specific pests.
Habitat management to enhance pest management is increasingly being researched globally, but
producers still lack the details needed for evaluation and implementation of this approach. A summary
of available information relating to citrus-relevant pests and beneficials is included in the technical
manual, but much more detail is required to assist producers who want to incorporate native or other
vegetation into orchards for biodiversity and pest management benefits. Particular pests for which
cost-effective, organically-acceptable management options are lacking include ants, citrus gall wasp,
fruit-piercing moths, katydids, leaf-eating weevils, spined citrus bug, planthoppers, leafhoppers and
thrips.
3. Disease management, alternatives to copper.
Copper is currently the only APVMA registered active ingredient of citrus fungicides allowable for
use under organic standards. Given the organic industry’s drive to reduce copper inputs because of soil
17
health concerns, alternatives to copper are required for management of citrus diseases. Also refer to the
recent review of copper in the organics industry9.
4. Water management.
Water use efficiency (WUE) in agriculture has been highlighted as a critical goal for many years and
has received special attention during the prevailing drought. In irrigated horticulture, WUE is
important for environmental reasons, but it poses a dilemma for organic producers. The tightly
controlled water application that gives high WUE for a citrus crop restricts the ability of producers to
realise their goals of soil improvement and nutrient management normally achieved through cover
crops, green manure crops and bulk compost application. Research is required on practical ways to
optimise soil development and tree nutrition organically under limited water regimes.
5. Weed management.
Although numerous approaches and technologies are available to producers, weed management in
citrus, like many other crops, continues to be a cause for concern and in many cases leads to soil
disruption and/or compaction and ongoing expenditure of fossil-fuel energy. As organic producers
become more accountable for energy use, the demand for cost-effective, low-input weed management
options will only increase. Of particular concern in organic citrus orchards are invasive, perennial
weeds such as couch grass, which are difficult to manage under an organic regime.
6. Integration of livestock.
Organic standards encourage the re-integration of livestock into agricultural systems where practical.
Potential benefits arise from pest and weed management, nutrient cycling and income diversification,
and a few organic citrus producers have incorporated poultry into their orchard systems for these
reasons. However, almost no information is available to allow producers to evaluate the expected
benefits and disadvantages of this approach for their enterprise.
Technology
Gaps in technology raised by producers largely related to their desire for equipment that they could not
necessarily afford to purchase or that would have a long pay-back time, rather than the equipment
itself being unavailable. Affordability of equipment such as compost mixers and off-set mowers is
particularly an issue for the many small-scale producers of organic citrus.
7. Compost and mulch spreaders.
The use of compost or mulch for water conservation, weed suppression and as a nutrient input is
gaining more interest amongst organic and non-organic producers alike. This material is typically
applied under the trees by hand to ensure that dripper lines are not buried and to obtain even coverage.
Appropriate equipment to mechanise the process is required for this practice to be cost-effective on
medium to large orchards.
9
Van Zwieten, M., Stovold, G., Van Zwieten, L. (2007) Alternatives to copper for disease control in
the Australian organic industry. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Publication
07/110.
18
Business management & decision support
8. Information on allowable input products.
The organic citrus industry is largely in a ‘substitution’ phase of development in which organically
acceptable inputs are used to replace non-allowed pesticides, fertilisers and so on. While in this phase,
producers would benefit from readily available information on exactly which commercially-available
products are acceptable for use under organic standards. Organic certification organisations are
understandably reluctant to produce such lists as this erodes the value of the input certification service
they provide to input manufacturers.
9. Marketing skills.
All producers are likely to benefit from improvements in their marketing skills and general knowledge
of markets, even if they are not directly involved in the market process beyond the farm gate. Because
of their different product, organic citrus producers are much more involved in the marketing of their
fruit, with direct contact with wholesalers, retailers and the end consumer. They are therefore highly
likely to benefit directly from improved marketing skills in terms of personal satisfaction and financial
outcomes.
10. Business management.
Skills in business management were flagged as a gap for small-scale producers especially.
11. Economic data for budgeting and evaluation of organics.
Data sets on the economics of all aspects of organic citrus production are necessary to allow
prospective converts to evaluate the organic approach against their existing enterprise and then make
informed decisions regarding conversion.
12. Human health and environmental impacts.
Similar to the previous point, data on human health and environmental aspects of organic and nonorganic citrus production were flagged as being useful to inform producers’ decision-making (e.g.
enabling producers to prioritise the value of alternative practices using broader terms of reference than
just economic cost-effectiveness).
13. Conversion and certification requirements, timeframes, support (‘surviving conversion’).
Organic standards and the general requirements of certification are well documented by certification
organisations, but it is clear that more enterprise-specific support would be of great benefit to citrus
producers entering or considering organic conversion.
19
Discussion of Results
Inadequate access to practical and locally relevant information has often been cited as a problem for
organic farmers in Australia. During this project, better access to knowledge and information on such
topics as pest, disease, weed and soil management was highlighted as a priority for improving the
viability of existing organic citrus enterprises and for removing a significant barrier to producers
wishing to enter the industry.
The manual developed through this project is aimed at improving that access. It embodies a
considerable amount of technical information and industry knowledge related to organic production
and provides growers with an organic perspective on citrus management in Australia. The practical
information on organic approaches to a wide range of orchard management issues will be of value to
both organic and non-organic growers.
By supporting individual producers in their move to, or improvement of, organic production, the
manual will help the industry as a whole to improve its ability to respond to and exploit new market
opportunities.
The basic statistics and other information gathered during the project include the following pertinent
points that warrant further investigation.
•
The organic sector of Australia’s citrus industry is small, possibly 1.6% of the overall industry’s
plantings, and is based on many small orchards and relatively few moderate to large orchards. If
expansions planned by existing growers eventuate, the organic sector could grow by 16% in area
within four to five years. In addition to this, an increase of 46% could be possible if the nonorganic citrus managed by certified organic producers became certified.
•
The high level of interest in organics amongst non-certified CITTgroup members suggests a real
opportunity for (a) development of the organic sector through the CITTgroup network and (b) use
of the network to support those growers just interested in selected aspects of organic management.
This approach would help to reinforce the fact that organic citrus producers make up part of the
overall citrus industry, and will benefit from industry support while having their own contribution
to make.
•
Apart from access to information and knowledge as already discussed, realisation of the growth
potential mentioned above will most likely depend on market development and access – the top
issue raised as a barrier to expansion of existing plantings. As has always been the case with
organics, some new players will enter the industry for philosophical reasons, but ultimately
industry growth will be driven by market development.
20
Implications
With the organic citrus manual targeting the need for technical information, aspiring organic citrus
growers should find it easier to assess their current situation and move more confidently through the
conversion process. As an information and knowledge resource, the manual should also help existing
organic citrus growers and ‘conventional’ growers to improve their production systems.
While being a useful resource, the manual can also act as a framework into which additional
information and industry knowledge can continually be incorporated as it becomes available.
While the organic sector of Australia’s citrus industry remains very small, it will have limited ability
to capture any new market opportunities that arise. At the same time its growth, for which there is
considerable potential, already appears to be hindered by inadequate market access or demand. This
could easily become a barrier to potential new entrants to the industry, especially considering that
market advantage is one of the top three reasons for the interest in organics by non-certified growers.
A number of information, knowledge and technology gaps have been highlighted which, if effectively
addressed, would further assist the establishment, fine-tuning and viability of organic citrus production
systems.
21
Recommendations
1. The organic citrus technical manual should be publicised and made readily accessible
The manual should be promoted through organic and ‘conventional’ media and organisations and
made freely available electronically, via RIRDC’s Internet site and the organic pages of DPI Victoria’s
Internet site to maximise its accessibility to producers.
2. The CITTgroup network should be used to support organic-oriented producers
The CITTgroup network should be used to monitor the information, skill and other needs of the citrus
industry’s organic sector and to disseminate organic-relevant information to support those members
with an interest in organic production.
3. Market development for organic citrus should be investigated
Limitations and developmental requirements of domestic and export markets for Australian organic
citrus should be investigated, preferably through a RIRDC/HAL partnership, to determine how those
markets can be grown to support the potential for expansion of the citrus industry’s organic sector.
22
Appendix 1: Grower survey
(compacted to fit this page)
Your name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Phones: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Postal address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1
The total area of land you manage is
3
Please list below, the total area of citrus that you manage organically/biodynamically (BD) by certification level:
Ha
BD conversion
Ha
Organic
Ha BD
Ha
Pre-cert
Ha
Organic conversion
Please list your top (by area) five types of organic/BD citrus (navel or Valencia, lime etc). Include the area if possible.
1
Ha 2
Ha 3
Ha
4
Ha
5
4
5
2
Ha.
Is your organic/BD citrus crop usually sold for
…and is it used for
export
fresh fruit
The total area of citrus you manage is
or
juice
Australian markets ?…
other processed products ?
6
In order of priority, the main problems you face (costs, specific pests...) related to organic/BD citrus production, are:
1
3
2
4
7
What do you consider to be the main benefits from producing citrus organically/biodynamically ?
8
Would you like to increase the area of citrus you have under organic/BD management ?
No
please briefly explain why not
Yes
do you plan to increase within
the next 5 years ?
Yes (by _______ Ha)
9
Please number (1=highest priority) the main factors that would limit your expansion of organic/BD citrus production:
Lack of information on organic/BD production
Lack of organic/BD skills
Concerns re: pests
Insufficient price
Lack of capital
Concerns re: lower yields
Lack of land
Insufficient markets
Concerns re: weeds
Concerns re: nutrition
Insufficient water
Lack of market info.
Concerns re: diseases
Other
10
Please list (1=highest priority) the four most important things such as information, equipment, skills etc, that you
could use to improve the management, viability or profitability of your organic/BD citrus production (be specific):
1
2
3
4
11
Please note briefly the main strategies and inputs that you use to manage the following issues:
Weeds:
Nutrition:
Fruit size:
Lightbrown apple moth:
Mealybugs:
Citrus thrips:
Scale insects:
Snails:
Septoria/greasy spot/anthracnose:
12
Would you be happy to be involved further in this project ?
Yes No
I know your time is precious! Thank you very much for the time
you used to complete this questionnaire.
David Madge, DPI Mildura.
email: [email protected]
23
Please return it in
the reply-paid
Tel: envelope…
03 50514500
…or fax it to the number
shown below
Fax: 03 50514523
Ha.
Ha
Appendix 2: CITTgroup member surveys
Grower feedback – organic/biodynamic citrus management
Please take a few minutes to answer these questions regarding organic/biodynamic citrus
management. The information you provide will be a valuable input to the project ‘Organic citrus
technical manual’, funded by DPI Victoria, The Rural Industries Research and Development
Corporation and Murray Valley Citrus Board.
1. Are you currently:
Certified as an organic./biodynamic citrus producer?
Managing your citrus organically/biodynamically? (whether certified or not)
Not interested in organic/biodynamic production ? – please go to Question 4
Interested in converting your overall orchard management to organic/biodynamic?
Interested in specific aspects of organic/biodynamic management but not in converting your
overall management to organic/biodynamic? If so, which aspects are of most interest to you ?
2. If you are not currently organic/biodynamic but are interested in this approach:
• what are the main reasons for your interest?
•
what do you think would be the biggest problems you would face in converting to
organic/biodynamic management?
3. What specific information on organic/biodynamic management of citrus would assist you?
4. How do you prefer to access agricultural information ?
Other growers
Field walks
Agricultural suppliers
Radio/Television
In printed form, as
Brief technical articles
Internet/electronic publications
In-depth publications
Other…
5. If you have ever considered 'going organic' but decided not to, what made you decide not to
proceed?
6. If you are not really interested in the organic/biodynamic approach, what are your main reasons for
this?
Thanks for your time. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have on organic citrus production.
David Madge, DPI Mildura. Tel: 03 50514500 email: [email protected]
24
Appendix 3: Publications
Promotional
The project and its objectives and findings to date were promoted through the following articles in mass media
and industry publications:
‘Government spotlight on organic citrus’, The Organic Advantage, No. 77, 27 October 2006, (electronic
newsletter of Biological Farmers of Australia).
‘Government spotlight on organic citrus’, Australian Organic Journal, Summer 2006, Biological Farmers of
Australia, p 47.
‘Organic citrus update’, DPI Organic Newsletter Vol 5, Issue 3, December 2006, p3.
‘Spotlight on organic citrus management’, Riverlink Newsletter #79, Summer 2006/07, p5
‘Spotlight on organic citrus management’, National Marketplace News, February 2007, p9.
‘Organic change for more diverse markets’, Australian Citrus News #82, April/May 2007, pp 28-29.
Technical
Agriculture Notes
The following Victorian DPI Agriculture Notes were published to aid the progressive availability of
information during compilation of the technical manual. The topics were selected on the basis of the
priority they were given by during the initial postal survey of organic citrus producers. These notes are
now incorporated into the manual itself.
Organic farming: Managing scale insects on citrus (August 2007)
Organic farming: Managing fruit fly in citrus (August 2007)
Technical manual
Madge, D (2008) ‘Organic citrus technical manual’, Rural Industries Research and Development
Corporation. [Final title and publication details to be confirmed]
25
Appendix 4: Communication activities
Conference, seminar and workshop presentations
Australian Citrus Growers 59th Annual Conference, Renmark, April 16-19 2007
A promotional poster and information leaflets outlining the project were displayed during the
Conference and the associated National Citrus Liaison Meeting. The author was approached by
producers, agricultural supplier representatives and extension officers for more information on the
project and organic citrus management and also gave a brief presentation on the project to the National
Citrus Liaison Meeting.
CITTgroup activities
The author gave a slide-based presentation on this project and the technicalities of organic citrus
production, and fielded questions during a CITTgroup meeting at Dareton on 8 April 2008.
Briefer overviews of this project were given to CITTgroup members during meetings in Renmark and
Waikerie (6 & 8 May 2008).
Field days
Riverland Field Days, Barmera, September 13-14 2006
An introductory poster was displayed to raise awareness of the project amongst growers and others
attending the days. The author discussed the project and general issues relating to organic production
with growers and company representatives who attended the display.
Mildura Horticultural Field Days, Mildura, May 29
& 30, 2007
At these field days the project was promoted to
producers and the general public through a poster and
organic fruit display. A handout describing the project
was available for those interested in more information.
The author attended the display over both days, handing
out fruit and discussing the project and technicalities of
organic production with interested producers. Consumers
were interested to know that organic citrus is grown and
available locally.
26
Riverland Field Days, Barmera, September 19 & 20 2007.
Similar to the Mildura Field Days, a poster, information leaflet, fruit display and handout of local
organic citrus fruit were used to promote awareness of the project and organic citrus industry to
producers and general public who attended the field days. Discussions on organic management
techniques were held with interested producers.
Other
Soil Association of South Australia/Biodynamic and Organic Agriculture Bureau Riverland
tour, September 30 & October 1 2007
The author was invited to present his work with the organic industry to a touring group of the Soil
Association, Agriculture Bureau and local producers, and to participate in field visits to commercial
organic properties in the Riverland. This was a useful awareness-raising activity that aroused
considerable interest, possibly because little official input into organics is seen in South Australia.
Future activities
Conference
A poster highlighting this project and its major output (technical manual) will be displayed during the
next Australian Citrus Industry Conference (Griffith, October 13-15 2008). The author has also
requested to make a presentation to the conference.
CITTgroups
Where justified by the level of member interest, dedicated CITTgroup sessions on the technicalities of
organic production will be organised and run in collaboration with the relevant CITTgroup
coordinators.
Field days
This project and the technical manual will be promoted through a manned display at the next
Sunraysia and Riverland field day events:
•
Mildura Horticultural Field Days, Mildura, May 27 & 28, 2008
•
Riverland Field Days, Barmera, September 17 & 18 2008.
27