October 2026

The future of Citrus SA – Mark Doecke

At the AGM on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, I announced my retirement as Chairman of Citrus SA. I have been involved with CSA in its various forms since the committee started in 2010. The committee has begun the process of deciding the way forward. Some of the options being explored are:

·       A grower or semi-retired grower stepping up to lead the committee.

·      A memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Citrus Australia to establish a way forward.

·       An independent Chair/EO.

If you would like to step forward to lead Citrus SA, become a committee member or express your thoughts on the future of the organisation, please get in touch with me or a current committee member. We would welcome your interest and the opportunity to discuss how you could contribute. The committee will inform SA growers when a decision has been reached. I would like to sincerely thank the committee for its dedication to our growers and especially thank Kerrie and Francy for all their work in keeping information and expertise at the forefront. Blessings to you all as we no doubt continue to face the annual challenges and enjoy the benefits associated with this industry. Citrus SA’s 2025-2026 Annual Report, 2026-2027 Operational Plan and the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan are all available here.

Citrus SA industry update – the past two months

Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke has continued to represent growers in discussions on water, biosecurity and industry promotion.

Meetings with the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and other stakeholders provided opportunities to discuss the Basin Plan and the importance of water to productive horticulture. Mark also followed up with local irrigation representatives following a departmental water meeting in Berri.

Fruit fly remains a key focus, with Mark participating in regular Riverland Fruit Fly Committee meetings and discussions about arrangements for the western Riverland. A meeting involving affected businesses, particularly packers, was also held, chaired by Anthony.

Mark has also been in contact with the University of Adelaide about the gall wasp trap project which has been in the pipeline for many years and seeking further progress on this issue.

Royal Adelaide Show

The Royal Adelaide Show was again a busy and valuable opportunity to promote South Australian citrus. Takings increased by six per cent, almost 15,000 cups of juice were sold, and all 20,000 Yellow Brick Road citrus units had been distributed by Saturday morning. The Citrus SA show committee is discussing arrangements for future years, with a focus on continuing this opportunity to showcase our industry.

Applications invited for Rex Andrew Trust Fund

Applications are now open for funding through the MCGCA Rex Andrew Trust Fund for projects that directly benefit the South Australian and/or Australian citrus industry. Applicants must be paid-up grower members of the SA Citrus Growers Fund or have industry links to the citrus community. Projects will be assessed against the priorities in the South Australian Citrus Growers Fund Management Plan, with other relevant proposals also considered by the Trustees. Funding is drawn from the interest earned annually by the Trust, with grant amounts determined by the Trustees. Of each allocated grant, $1,000 will be held until a final project report is received. If you have a project that could benefit the citrus industry, you are encouraged to apply. Applications should be forwarded to: The Secretary, MCGCA Rex Andrew Trust Fund, PO Box 52, BERRI SA 5343

October production notes

Hedging, Pruning and skirting: Pruning is a proven practice to increase fruit size, produce premium fruit by improving the pack-out percentage and reduce skin damage/ blemish. It also improves water distribution, chemical coverage and pest management. It is important to review the crop load of all patches this past season and determine a pruning strategy for each patch depending on crop load and expected blossom this season.

Foliar nutrient spray and fertigation: It is important to apply a foliar spray after fruit set to balance nutrition and supply trace elements in the tree and to improve fruit size.

Pesticide controls: Critical timing to control LBAM, Mealy Bug, Thrips, Katydid, Scales, Aphids, Spined citrus Bug and Citrus gall wasp. It is important to keep track of CGW emergence to ensure control strategies are as effective as possible.

Increase Fruit set sprays: Now is the time to consider fruit set strategies based on the previous seasons crop load. Please consult with your packing shed/GLO/consultant for rates, etc.

Irrigation: This is critical during flowering and fruit-set, regular maintenance of infrastructure and monitoring of soil moisture is critical to ensure trees are not stressed.

Weed control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required.

*Information is general in nature and growers should seek individual advice from their agronomist or packing shed.