Welcome to the ‘June to September 2023’ Lychee aPeel eNewsletter, we hope you find these industry related topics of interest. The next eNewsletter will be issued in November 2023.

Can hover flies fill the role of crop pollinators

Hover fly collecting pollen (Agriculture Victoria) 

Hover flies, often referred to as flower flies or drone flies, are beneficial insects that appear in large numbers during the spring and summer. They are often mistaken for bees or wasps and can cause undue fear over possible stings. Fortunately, they do not possess stingers. Hover flies can be readily distinguished from wasps and bees by their single pair of wings.

READ MORE AGRICULTURE VICTORIA

As threats to Australia's bee population increase, including from varroa mite, the hover fly is emerging as a top alternative pollinator. Hover flies look a little like bees — they're about the same size but they don't sting, so they're arguably easier to work with. They eat nectar and pollen and their hairy bodies transfer pollen from flower to flower. But unlike bees, hover flies don't go back to a hive. They stay on the crop nesting in and around the foliage of the plants. This means they're not at risk of varroa mite infestation, as the mites feed and complete their lifestyle on adult bees in the hive. In the field environment, hover flies live about four to five weeks.

READ MORE ABC MEDIA RELEASE

Climate change having huge impact on farmers

New research has found that climate change is putting pressure on farmers, with many worried about the consequences this will have in future. According to the Farmer Voice survey, 71 per cent of farmers said that climate change had already had a large impact on their farm, with 73 per cent experiencing increasing pest and disease pressure.

On average farmers estimated that their incomes had fallen by 15.7 per cent due to climate change in the past two years, while one in six farmers identified income losses of over 25 per cent during the period. These were some of the key findings in the Farmer Voice survey, which revealed the challenges facing farmers around the world as they try to mitigate the impacts of climate change and adapt for the future.

To conduct the survey, Bayer commissioned an agency to independently interview 800 farmers globally, representing farms large and small from Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine and the US in equal numbers.

READ MORE FRUITNET NEWS

Key points:

• Gross value of production to rise to $17.6 billion in 2023–24 driven by higher production.

• Exports to rise by 9% to $3.7 billion in 2023–24 driven by higher production.

• Drier conditions are unlikely to have a major impact on Australian horticulture production.

• Growth in global supply expected to outpace global demand in 2023–24.

In 2023–24, the gross value of horticulture production is forecast to rise to a record $17.6 billion, up by 6% from $16.6 billion in 2022–23 (Figure 1.1). The expected rise in production value reflects higher production volumes. Despite drier seasonal conditions expected in major horticultural regions, high water levels and improving labour availability are expected to boost production volumes throughout 2023-24.


READ MORE ABARES 

The September edition of the HARPS newsletter is now available

The September edition of the HARPS newsletter includes a reminder for Tier 2 suppliers about the upcoming transition to HARPS Version 2.0 from 16th October 2023. In addition, you’ll find out more about the process for Certification Body nomination and some handy fact sheets released by the Fresh Produce Safety Centre.

READ MORE HARPS

Can your farm ‘talk’? Not sure? Then let’s connect! 

Not happy with your farm’s wifi and black spots? How about your power bills?
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers has teamed up with NBN Local and the Queensland Farmers' Federation to develop customised farm connectivity plans and conduct energy audits for members. The results, which you own, can help you: save money, determine a preferred digital farm management solution and gain efficiencies. For more information: APPLY QFVG

By completing this form, you are providing QFVG the necessary information to: 

1. create a connectivity report for your farm to work out possibilities and constraints with existing internet capabilities. 

2. coordinate your participation in a 'whole of farm' energy audit to assess energy efficiency of your farm, identify potential savings and check specific appliances such as pumps, cold rooms, heater systems.

3. Advocate in a targeted way on your behalf (e.g. if the combined property reports for a locality are showing very poor connectivity, we/you will be able to use this information to highlight this issue).

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) exist to ensure strength in the horticultural industry for generations to come, providing the voice for horticultural growers in Queensland and are a valued service delivery partner.

READ MORE QFVG - GROWCOM

Farming in the Reef campaign

Department of Agriculture & Fisheries Farming in the Reef campaign is part of DAF’s Reef Water Quality Improvement Program. The focus of the campaign is to profile good news stories from producers who have successfully adopted best practice on their farms to improve productivity and profitability, while also improving the quality of water entering the reef.

READ MORE FARMING IN THE REEF

Sustainability grants available to support farmer groups 

• Project funding of up to $20,000 to support farmer peer-to-peer learning

• Protecting Great Barrier Reef with three-year project

• Applications close October 27, 2023

The Queensland Government will provide project funding to support farmer groups in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment. Eligible farmer groups can now apply for funding of between $5,000 to $20,000 for projects that lead to sustainable farming practices and improved reef water quality.

Local farmer groups provide farmers the opportunity to discuss their experiences of how new practices and technologies worked for them. These groups are where farmers help each other to understand innovative technologies and solve the inevitable practical issues that pop up when trying something new.

Project applications close on Friday 27 October 2023. For copies of the funding guideline, project application form and further information email RP84Admin@daf.qld.gov.au .

Stakeholder communication kit: pre-natural disaster season

These communication materials have been developed for partners of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to assist in communicating natural disaster preparedness with stakeholders. The ideal time to use these materials is up until November prior to peak season for natural disasters. Included in this kit are pre-season preparedness social media posts/newsletter content to help spread the word to primary producers about how to stay safe and protect their business and livestock during a disaster event. The kit includes preparedness materials for:

• DAF’s Disaster Impact Survey

• business preparedness

• bushfires

• cyclones.

• If your property is impacted by a natural disaster, you can report any damage or losses to your farm via the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Disaster Impact Survey. 

READ MORE NATURAL DISASTER HUB

Four words: Profitability, Seasonality, Complexity, Narrative

QFVG CEO Rachel Chambers represented Queensland fruit, vegetable, and nut growers in July 2023 at the Food Security Parliamentary Inquiry Committee. Given five minutes to tell the story of horticulture in Queensland – here is the gist of what was said:

READ MORE QFVG

Taxation of Australian carbon credit units for primary producers
 

From 1 July 2023, eligible individual primary producers can access tax averaging and concessional tax treatment for certain income from their eligible carbon abatement projects. They may also qualify for concessional tax treatment for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) they receive from their eligible carbon abatement projects.

Eligible individual primary producers include:

• sole traders

• individual partners in a partnership comprised solely of individuals.

• individual who are beneficiaries of a trust carrying on a business of primary production

This change applies to eligible income from carbon abatement projects, such as from the sale of ACCUs, first held on or after 1 July 2022, and certain income from carbon service providers who carry out carbon abatement projects for eligible primary producers.

READ MORE ATO

Historic $130 mln trade alliance to supercharge Aussie horticulture exports

LR: Minister Watt, Minister Furner, Brett Fifield (HI), Julie Bird (HI) & Gavin Scurr (Pinata)

The largest and most ambitious trade initiative in Australian horticulture has been given the green light with a host of partners signing on to a historic $130 million program, the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA). Delivered through the federal horticulture Research and Development Corporation, Hort Innovation, and led by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the eight-year program will see key Aussie export stakeholders and officials joining forces to help protect and grow Australia's horticultural exports. As part of the program, FASTA will also boost biosecurity initiatives to solidify Australia's strong reputation in pest management and as a responsible trading partner for years to come. Insect pests are a major challenge for Australia's horticultural producers as they impact production and domestic and international trade. Australia's trading partners require evidence that Australian horticulture exports are insect pest free.

READ MORE HORT INNOVATION

Changes to Pacific Islander Labour Mobility Scheme

The horticulture industry is warning that changes to the Pacific Islander Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in Australia could mean fewer fresh fruits and vegetables will be stocked on supermarket shelves. 

Key Points:

• Growers say changes to the PALM scheme lack the flexibility required for farm operations

• Industry representatives say there was a lack of meaningful consultation

• The workers' union backs the changes by the government, which is confident it will benefit growers

Most produce sold in retail stores is picked and packed by farm workers, including many Pacific Islanders employed through the federal government scheme.

Upcoming changes to the PALM Deed and Guidelines have the industry concerned about the future of horticulture and the broader issue of compliance by labour hire companies. PALM workers must currently receive a minimum of 30 hours per week, averaged over their placement. But changes to the PALM Deed and Guidelines mean workers must receive 30 hours of work per week averaged over four weeks and from July 1, 2024, 30 hours every week.

Growers say they will be unable to guarantee PALM workers the minimum 30 hours per week due to the unpredictable nature of farming, such as when weather events affect operations.

READ MORE ABC NEWS

China

Chinese lychee exports streamlined

New systems have been put in place to facilitate the growth of lychee exports out of the key growing region of Guangdong province. Investment into the export supply chain is paying dividends for the Chinese lychee industry with more fruit reaching more markets as a result.  According to a report from China Daily, data from the Guangdong Sub-administration of the General Administration of Customs shows lychee exports out of the key growing region of Guangdong province have grown 66.7 per cent year-on-year to 7,014 tonnes from April to June 2023. This includes 960kg recently exported to the Netherlands. According to the same data the value of Guangdong lychee exports between April to June 2023 have also grown 45.9 per cent year-on-year. 

READ MORE FRUITNET

Vietnam

Chance to win a round-trip air ticket between Vietnam and Australia by eating Vietnamese lychee

(VAN) This is the promotional program that the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia and its partners are implementing to encourage the consumption of Vietnamese lychee in the Australian market.

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia, large quantities of high quality Vietnamese lychees have arrived in Australia. However, Vietnamese lychees are at a disadvantage in the Australian market due to the highest Australian lychee production recorded in recent years. According to Mr. Derek Foley, President of the Australian Lychee Association, Australian lychee production soared in 2023 with a growth rate of 40%. Most notably, a late season of lychee was caused by the weather but ultimately ended in a bountiful harvest.

Additionally, Chinese lychee has arrived in Australia before the Vietnamese lychee at a competitive price rate. On the other hand, the Australian market's purchasing power has decreased due to a surge in housing prices in Australia.

In response to these challenges, the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia has coordinated to implement trade promotion activities for Vietnamese lychee in Australia. Namely, the promotion of Vietnamese lychee fruit on online platforms frequented by many online users: the promotion of tourism, convalescence, health care, advanced aesthetics in Vietnam.

READ MORE VIETNAM NEWS

Highway packed with lychees in Northern Vietnam

A section of National Highway 31 going through Bac Giang Province’s Luc Ngan District is jammed with farmers distributing lychees on motorbikes.  

The lychee harvest season in Luc Ngan starts at the end of May and lasts for more than a month. According to Bac Giang’s Department of Industry and Trade, farmers have sold more than 35,000 tons of the fruit so far this season. Currently, traders pay farmers VND10,000-35,000 (US$1.5) per kilo of lychees depending on the product’s quality.

Bac Giang’s lychees are also exported but for foreign markets, traders must visit the farms and choose the fruits themselves.

READ MORE VN EXPRESS

Thailand

After a series of protests, Thailand’s lychee growers are getting aid from the government to counter the plummeting price of their harvests.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) on Thursday announced each of its local provincial chambers across the country would buy at least 1 tonne of lychees to help boost prices. The chambers would then distribute the fruit locally, reported Thailand’s The Nation. The TCC head office will also buy 6-10 tonnes.

TCC chairman Dusit Nontanakorn said the initiative was aimed at aiding farmers primarily in the Chiang Mai and Phayao provinces, where most of the lychee production is focused.

Summary:

Lychee Market Size and Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023-2028)

Summary: The Lychee Market size is expected to grow from USD 6.73 billion in 2023 to USD 8.79 billion by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.50% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

Key Highlights
The market for lychee is growing because people in emerging and developing countries around the world want more fresh food. Favourable government initiatives and rising trade from the significant producers drive the market’s growth. The need for products like jam, juice concentrates, canned lychee, dried lychee, etc. is also increasing. At the end of 2019, Vietnam entered an agreement with lychee farmers to export lychees to Japan.

Lychee Market Trends

Increasing Demand from International Markets
Consumers are becoming more aware of health issues and conscious about their diet. Lychees are well known for being healthy fruits. Lychee is a specialty fruit that is slowly gaining popularity in Europe, although average consumption per capita is still limited. The fruit is gaining popularity in France as well. Consumption of sustainably produced fresh fruit offers greater opportunity in Europe.

READ MORE REPORTLINKER

Australian Lychee Growers Association

The 2023 ALGA Annual General Meeting and Industry Growers Meeting were held on Tuesday 5^th September at Yeppoon. Once again, the meetings were very well attended by growers, agents, presenters, invited guests and industry stakeholders. Presentations from the Growers Meeting will be made available for listening and viewing on the ALGA website shortly along with more photos and updates in the October Living Lychee magazine. Sponsors of the 2023 meetings were:   

Seasonal updates & Area reports will be available in the October 2023 edition of Living Lychee

Upcoming Events:

6th October 2023 - Virtual Annual Diagnostic & Surveillance Workshop ADSW Plant Health Australia
FOR MORE INFORMATION

12th October 2023 - Horticulture Award 2020 Update QFVG – Growcom
FOR MORE INFORMATION

20th October 2023 - Fair & Ethical Sourcing Conference Fair Farms
FOR MORE INFORMATION

21st December 2023 -  International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture ICSA Research Foundation Brisbane
FOR MORE INFORMATION

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A SUGGESTION

Lychee aPeel has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the lychee research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

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