February 2026
Streamlining entry for interstate empty bins
Citrus SA has been working closely with PIRSA to improve the process for empty bins entering South Australia from Victorian packers.
One option being considered is to inspect trucks at Yamba rather than at the grower’s property. This approach offers two key benefits. Firstly, it could save growers around $1000 per year, along with the associated paperwork and audit requirements. Secondly, if any issues are identified with the bins, they can be dealt with before they reach the farm, reducing biosecurity risk on site.
PIRSA is currently considering this proposal, and Citrus SA is hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved.
In the meantime, growers are reminded that vigilance remains critical. All bins placed on farm should continue to be checked carefully for old fruit. Citrus SA also maintains that all loading pads should have both male and female fruit fly traps in place to minimise the risk of fruit fly hitchhikers.
This advice is reinforced by the recent detection of a female fruit fly very close to an interstate bin depot.
Citrus SA is also exploring options for the chemical treatment of tautliners entering South Australia as an additional risk-mitigation measure.
Citrus SA strategic plan
Citrus South Australia Inc. has released its Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, setting out a clear direction for the organisation and the priorities that will guide its work over the next five years.
The plan outlines the purpose and role of Citrus SA within the broader industry, including its relationship with Citrus Australia and the legal and regulatory environment in which the organisation operates. It also provides an overview of the South Australian citrus industry, covering production, regional growing areas, crop categories and emerging market trends.
At the centre of the plan is Citrus SA’s mission, vision and strategic outcomes, which focus on supporting growers, strengthening industry representation and ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the SA citrus sector.
The Strategic Plan also reaffirms the importance of strong governance to support effective decision-making and accountability as the industry navigates ongoing challenges and opportunities.
Citrus SA encourages members to read the Strategic Plan and engage with the priorities it sets for the future of the South Australian citrus industry.
Read the full document
Murray-Darling Basin River health declaration
The Federal Government has recently announced that the Murray River, from the Darling River junction to the river mouth, has been listed as Critically Endangered.
This declaration comes despite almost 3000 gigalitres of water having been returned to the river system through buybacks and infrastructure upgrades. The buyback component has had significant and well-documented impacts on regional and rural communities.
Despite this volume of water being returned to the system, the latest assessment suggests there has been little measurable improvement in overall river health. This raises serious questions about whether a “just add water” approach alone is delivering the outcomes being sought.
Another important factor that receives little attention is the composition of flows entering South Australia. On average, water crossing the SA border is made up of approximately 18 per cent consumptive use and 82 per cent environmental water. In theory, this balance should support river health, yet regional communities continue to be targeted for further water recovery.
Citrus SA believes a broader, evidence-based conversation is needed - one that looks beyond volume alone and considers river management, outcomes and the social and economic impacts on the communities that rely on the Murray River.
RIC loans
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is a national low-interest loan specialist funded by the Australian Government for farm businesses and farm-related small businesses. There are a few loans which citrus growers may be able to access including the Agristarter, Farm Investment or Drought Loans. You can find out more about these loans and your eligibility at https://www.ric.gov.au/
Australian Citrus Congress – Adelaide March 2-4
The 2026 Australian Citrus Congress will be held in Adelaide next month.
Hosted by Citrus Australia, the event will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from March 2-4, bringing together citrus industry leaders from Australia and overseas.
The program features a strong mix of local and international speakers and is tailored for growers, farm managers, packers, marketers and exporters.
Topics on the agenda include:
Australia’s position in the global citrus market
Improving fruit quality while using less water
What’s changing in agrichemicals and how it effects on-farm decisions
Export market trends and opportunities
Strategies to reduce chilling injury
Improving labour efficiency and managing rising costs
Alongside the conference sessions, attendees can network with industry peers, explore the trade exhibition, and celebrate excellence at the industry awards dinner.
Find out more and buy tickets here.
SA Horticulture Coalition Blueprint: Vision to 2035
The SA Horticulture Coalition has released its 2025–2035 Vision for Horticulture in South Australia, setting out a roadmap for a decade of growth, innovation and sustainability.
Horticulture contributes $4.2 billion to the state economy and is forecast to reach $6.2 billion by 2035, positioning South Australia as a global leader in high-tech, sustainable food production.
The blueprint highlights the adoption of AI-driven precision agriculture, autonomous harvesting, advanced post-harvest technologies, water recycling and renewable energy to lift productivity while reducing emissions. A strong focus on circular economy practices will see by-products repurposed into food rescue initiatives and organic fertilisers.
Export growth, particularly into Asian and Middle Eastern markets, will be supported by enhanced biosecurity and post-harvest X-ray technology, while regional communities will benefit from increased investment in research, skills and high-tech jobs.
Key priorities for Government action include:
Protecting long-term water access for horticulture
Delivering Stage 2 of the SA Produce Market X-ray facility
Strengthening biosecurity preparedness
Supporting investment in technology and sustainable farming
Payroll tax exemptions for farm labour
Improved education pathways and streamlined visas for seasonal workers
The blueprint reinforces horticulture’s critical role in South Australia’s economy and provides a clear pathway for growth, resilience and global competitiveness over the next decade.
Citrus compound at centre of new medical breakthrough
Researchers at the University of Alabama have developed a new drug-delivery system using naringenin, a naturally occurring compound found in citrus, to more effectively treat inflammation. The breakthrough improves absorption of the compound and achieved strong anti-inflammatory results at lower doses, highlighting the growing value of citrus beyond food and fibre.
Read the full study in Science Advances
February production notes
It is important to assess the crop set and fruit size of each orchard, to determine what crop production strategies to apply. Some timely reminders include:
Pruning/Hedging/skirting: Continue hand pruning and de-suckering of re growth
Foliar nutrient spray and Fertigation:
- Potassium sprays to increase fruit size
- Monitor each patch for crop load and size-adapt irrigation/fertigation strategy accordingly.
Pesticide sprays: Critical timing for Brown Citrus rust mite, Mealy bug, Red and Cottony cushion scale, FRW, Citrus Leaf miner and Two spotted Mite. It’s best to hire an entomologist if you are not confident in assessing your bug numbers
Irrigation: Increase irrigation and continue monitoring soil moisture probes
Weed Control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required
Fruit thinning: Hand thinning to help improve size is recommended. Assess crop load prior to thinning. Thinning is best carried out in January but removing any unsalable fruit is beneficial to growers returns
Crop estimates: Frame counts and fruit size measurements in conjunction with packer
Leaf samples: Take leaf samples for nutrient analysis
*This information is general in nature and readers should seek independent advice relevant to their individual circumstances.