Australian citrus growers have faced various challenges, including weather conditions, labor issues, and limited stock over the past seasons. However, projections suggest that a potential record in exports might be achieved this year, turning a corner in the industry.
In Moora, about 170 kilometers northeast of Perth, recent tough seasons have provided valuable insights for growers. Moora Citrus, the largest citrus producer in Western Australia, anticipates harvesting approximately 10,000 tons from its three Mid West orchards. The company's CEO, Shane Kay, noted that 2024 had been a "particularly light year," averaging below their usual 8,000 tons annually.
Shane Kay focuses on lemons, mandarins, and grapefruit, with a particular watch on the performance of oranges. "We're currently experiencing a very warm autumn; we're looking forward to some cold nights and clear days to help the fruit colour up and mature properly," he stated. The transition from green to orange is crucial for market readiness.
After picking, the fruit in the packing sheds undergoes grading based on blemish visibility. While marked fruit fetches lower prices, first-grade produce reaches retail or export markets, where high-quality fruit is preferred. Nathan Hancock, CEO of Citrus Australia, stated, "In Australia in particular, we've sort of been coached into believing that fruit mustn't have any blemishes on the outside."
Looking towards 2025, Hancock expects strong production alongside robust international demand. Notably, Australia set a record in 2019 with 304,000 tons and an export value of $541 million. The primary importers include Asian markets such as China, Japan, and Thailand, alongside markets in the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite these opportunities, growers face ongoing challenges, especially concerning labor costs. "Our wage costs have just continued to climb, and it's not really aligned with the returns we get," Kay remarked. To address these challenges, Kay is testing a three-hectare trial block of protective netting aimed at reducing wind impact and water use. He noted, "We're doing a cost-benefit analysis of that right now, because it's not cheap," emphasizing the importance of water savings.
Source: ABC News