The Australian Table Grape Association represents the biosecurity interests of table grape producers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
In 2015–16, Australia produced a total of 178,000 tonnes of table grapes, valued at $431 million. This made 2015–16 the best year for the industry for volume and value of production in 12 years.
Green, red and blue-black varieties of table grapes are produced by approximately 1,000 growers in the major growing regions of Sunraysia and the Murray Valley in Victoria; the Riverland in SA; Swan Valley, Carnarvon and Geraldton regions of WA; the south east of Queensland; and Ti Tree in the NT.
By the end of the 2016–17 season, Australian table grape exports totalled 106,841 tonnes, valued at $373 million. This result was just lower than the previous season due to poor weather and a late season, which reduced opportunities for export.
The table grape industry is covered by version 3.0 of the viticulture industry biosecurity plan and the Biosecurity Manual for the Viticulture Industry Version 1.0.
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of table grape production, 2007–16
Distribution of table grape production by state and territory, 2015–16 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Viticulture Industry
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the viticulture industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Viticulture Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email admin@phau.com.au.
Biosecurity Manual for Viticulture Industry
The Biosecurity Manual for Viticulture Industry contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm. Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks. Manuals also contain a biosecurity self-assessment list, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors.
More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
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