November 2025
AGM summary
The Citrus SA AGM was held on Tuesday, October 28 at the Riverland Events Centre committee room. Final reports for 2024-2025 are available here.
Rex Andrew Trust funds audio history project
The South Australian Citrus Improvement Society (SACIS) has awarded the 2025 MCGCA Rex Andrew Trust Fund grant to Kerrie Lush (Robertson) from the Podcast Station.
With the funding, Kerrie will produce a 6–8 episode podcast series/audio history resource, Riverland Citrus Icons which will capture the stories of past and present citrus growers or industry representatives in South Australia's Riverland region. The series will serve as a historical record, preserving a selection of stories of some of the people who shaped the citrus industry.
The interviews will be available as a special series on Citrus SA’s podcast, The Citrus Segment, in early 2026. You can listen to previous episodes of the podcast here.
Background
The Rex Andrew Trust was established using remaining funds from the former Murray Citrus Growers Co-operative Association (MCGCA) when it was dissolved and Citrus Growers of South Australia (CGSA) was formed. The fund was named in honour of Rex Andrew, who served as president of the MCGCA for more than 20 years. The Trust was administrated by CGSA and now by South Australian Citrus Improvement Society (SACIS). Each year, funding is available from the interest earned on the invested capital. Projects must deliver benefit to the South Australian or broader Australian citrus industry.
Citrus SA Contributes to National Industry Review
Citrus SA was one of just seven organisations to provide a written submission as part of Hort Innovation’s SHIFt (SHIFt – Strategic Horticulture Investment Framework) consultation process. Other contributors included AUSVEG, Potatoes Australia, the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Potato Processors Association of Australia, Macquarie University’s Smart Green Cities Research Centre (Which Plant Where), and Ross Skinner, former CEO of the Almond Board.
The Strategic Horticulture Investment Framework (SHIFt) program is responsible for the design and implementation of a new investment planning framework that will underpin investment in research and development (R&D) and marketing over the coming years.
To that end, extensive national industry consultation (phase 1 of the SHIFt program) has been undertaken to inform development of a new investment planning framework.
While there was limited citrus input overall—aside from comments submitted via the Citrus Congress in Griffith—Citrus SA’s feedback has been acknowledged in the review findings.
Key Areas Noted for Improvement
Citrus SA’s submission highlighted several key issues which were also reflected in the SHIFt findings, including:
Complexity and transparency: The previous system was overly complex with limited visibility.
Governance and accountability: Clearer project management and progress reporting are needed.
Planning flexibility: Five-year plans should allow for adaptability and contingency funding.
Broader representation: Future planning must consider all stakeholders, not only industry research bodies, and support cross-commodity and regional collaboration.
Budget clarity: Greater transparency in how funds are allocated and reported.
General feedback also addressed communication practices, tender processes, international partnerships, voluntary contribution models, and broader issues such as biosecurity and regulatory change.
New Planning Model Underway
In response, Hort Innovation has introduced a new investment planning model that:
Simplifies structure and language for easier understanding
Focuses on grower-driven direction and adaptable priorities
Moves from static PDFs to accessible digital plans
Encourages cross-industry search and collaboration
Improves transparency through regular progress reporting
Phases 2 and 3 of the SHIFt program will now focus on developing detailed investment plan content with industry and delivering the new digital platform by June 30, 2026.
Looking Ahead
While there is cautious optimism that Hort Innovation has listened to stakeholder feedback, Citrus SA will continue to review how these changes translate into the next Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the citrus industry. Members may be consulted further as details of the new Strategic Initiatives emerge.
Hort Innovation 2025 AGM
This year, the Hort Innovation AGM will be held virtually on Friday, November 28, at 11.30am (ACDT). You can join the AGM by using the following platform https://meetings.openbriefing.com/HORTAGM25 or join by telephone. Refer to the notice of meeting for full details, or contact Lee Armson via email membership@horticulture.com.au or call 02 8249 3709.
2026 Australian Citrus Congress – Adelaide
The 2026 Australian Citrus Congress will be held in Adelaide on March 2-4. Presented by Citrus Australia the event will feature a welcome event, trade expo, conference and awards dinner. More details here.
Fyfanon® 440EW Label Update
The APVMA has advised that changes to the label of Fyfanon® 440EW must be implemented by May 2026. These include updates to product storage requirements and permitted crop uses. Fyfanon® must now be stored below 30°C in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, and in its closed, original container. The product must also be applied before the expiry date, which is two years from the date of manufacture.
From August 26, 2025, FMC has also made amendments to the Fyfanon® 440EW label, removing usage claims for spraying the product on grapevines and persimmon foliage. However, use of Fyfanon® 440EW as a bait additive in persimmons remains approved.
For more information, please contact FMC Customer Service on 1800 901 939 or your local agronomist/reseller.
November production notes
Hedging and pruning: Hand pruning or machine hedging
Foliar nutrient spray and fertigation: Calcium spray at one per cent calcium nitrate at peas size may help reduce albedo. Potassium Nitrate sprays at 2-3 kilograms per 100/L applied after fruit set and during summer will have a beneficial effect on sizing.
Pesticide sprays: Critical timing to control LBAM, Mealy Bug, thrips, katydid, scales, aphids, Spined Citrus Bug and citrus gall wasp. Aim to apply controls before calyx closure.
Earwigs: Monitor your trees for decline and consult your agronomist or chemical reseller for more information.
Fruit sizing and thinning sprays: 2,4-D at rates advised by your packing shed or agronomist. Early applications in November might have some thinning effect (positive on heavy crops). Applications late November or early December will have a sizing effect. Corasil or Tops at recommended rates.
Irrigation: Continue monitoring during warmer months.
Weed control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required.