1. Citrus Forum 2017 From the Market to the Tree John Chavarria
Mildura, 01-March-2017

2. Presentation Notes
This presentation is based on my practical experience and my current knowledge of markets and varieties and I apologise if any relevant details and varieties have been overlooked unintentionally
Global market approach combined with local knowledge
Holistic understanding of new varieties rather than a detailed description of all current varieties

3. Presentation Notes Acknowledgements:
Great job done by Citrus Australia, DOA (AQIS), government officials,… granting access to new markets
Good follow up by the exporters developing the markets
Dynamic breeders and commercialises of varieties making new varieties available to the industry
Strong evaluation and local knowledge of the new varieties to transfer onto growers
Very dynamic growers taking on board the new varieties

4. John Chavarria Background
Horticultural Science degree and Masters in Citrus from the University of Valencia in Spain
Working in Australia since 1993 (24 years)
Working for MFC with Bill Robinson (Grower Services Manager) for 22 years
Have formed a very strong relationship with MFC growers
Have taken 8 MFC grower trips to Spain including one in two weeks time of 44 people
Spanish Industry is 10 times the size of the Australian Industry
Spain is the largest fresh Citrus exporter in the World, although not the biggest grower

5. John Chavarria Background
During this time – worked in the field, packing shed (post harvest) & marketing
Last 15 years have been visiting and working with MFC growers 2-3 times per year
Consulted in a number of other Countries including – Spain, USA, Chile, Mexico, China
Manage citrus export program from Spain to USA and also to Asian markets
Lived in the USA (Florida) for 2 years in and 2015

6. Changing Markets
Markets drive varieties & ultimately the profitability in the orchard
Varieties, cultural practices and rootstocks to meet market requirements
TALK TO YOUR PACKER before deciding on new varieties
The need for new markets was triggered by the decline of the USA market a number of years ago due to competition and poor exchange rates
The economic down-turn and exchange rate in Japan (1st class to composite)
This market has now recovered for 1st class and composite
The Citrus Industry had to look for other markets to remain viable

7. Changing Markets Need a good balance of markets
NEED FOR DIFFERENTIATION
good quality
high brix
good colour
clean (low residue)
New and exciting markets that we have;
China
Phillipines/Vietnam/South Korea/Thailand
MFC strongly committed to these markets and for 2016 sent 600 containers to China

8. Changing Markets - Export Markets
Opportunities
High demand and better prices
Different varieties & sizes
Favourable exchange rate
Threats
Competition (low cost of production – Southern Hemisphere)
Phytosanitary restrictions
Political decisions eg. Trump – Argentina Lemons
Unfavourable exchange rate
MFC Export 80% - 25 Countries, Domestic 20%

9. Varieties, General Notes
Navels
Preference of navels over valencias
Strong interest in Asia
Declining consumption in the Western markets
Growth opportunities in China

10. Varieties, General Notes
Pigmented oranges (red)
Interest in Asia and US/Canada: Cara Cara & Blood types
The market is looking for a Cara Cara with a blush and early and late to extend the season
Need for bloods with more consistent colour and better size
Potential opportunities for pigmented valencias

11. Varieties, General Notes
Tango/Afourer –
Domestic market and continue to build export markets – Europe, USA, Japan
Seed counts in the future will be crucial for most markets and will impact grower returns
Not a preferred variety in China, but could change
Imperial Mandarins - Domestic
There is a lot of production of Imperials for a marketing window that is being squeezed by newer varieties

12. Varieties, General Notes
Lemons
Currently world shortage – good prospects, although a lot of new plantings worldwide
Interest in seedless Lemons
Will need export in future – CT could restrict markets (chilling injury)

13. Varieties, Internal Pigmented Oranges
Asian and Western markets:
Red colour is very important, not yet in Europe.
Markets: Asia, US, Canada.
Tables to follow, key;
Variety order by maturity
Knowledge
1 – Good knowledge
2 – Some knowledge
3 – Minimum knowledge
WIP – Work in progress
NA – Not available in Australia
SL – Seedless, LS – Low seeds, LS-I – Low seeds in isolation, SD – seeded

14. Varieties, Internal Pigmented Oranges
Variety
Knowledge
Seeds
Early Cara Cara
WIP-NA SL
Cara Cara 1
Kirkwood Red 2
Late Cara Cara
3-NA
Torocco Ippolito Blood LS
Ruby Valencia

15. Varieties, Navel Oranges
Asian markets:
Sustainable interest on navels overall.
Western markets: declining consumption.
Markets: Asia, Domestic and some Western markets.

16. Varieties, Navel Oranges
Variety
Knowledge
Seeds
M7 Navel 2 SL
FJ Navel
Washington, Fisher, Atwood Navel 1
All Late Navels
Brown Navel 3

17. Varieties, Western Markets - Mandarins
Seedless most important
Easy to peel (relatively soft)
Good brix but not necessary high brix (10-12+)
Markets: Domestic, US, Europe, Japan.

18. Varieties, Western Markets - Mandarins
Variety
Knowledge
Seeds
Tango 1 SL
Nadorcott SL (SA)
2-NA
Afourer SL (QLD)
3-NA
Nadorcott (Afourer)
LS-I

19. Varieties, Asian Markets - Mandarins
High brix (generally 13+) most important (or low acid)
Firm fruit for imports (not so easy to peel)
Seedless is not a priority yet
Smooth skins, good colour, medium size
Markets: Asia, Domestic

20. Varieties, Asian Markets - Mandarins
Variety
Knowledge
Seeds
Daisy LS (US)
2-NA LS
Daisy LS (QLD, others)
WIP-NA
RHM 2
LS-I
Orri
LS Murcott Selections (QLD)
Murcott 1 SD
Kinnow LS (US)
Summerina 3 SL

21. Varieties, Domestic Markets - Mandarins
Unknown or poor ability to sea freight.
Markets: Domestic.

22. Varieties, Domestic Markets - Mandarins
Variety
Knowledge
Seeds
Imperial and its selections 1 SD
Dekopon 2
SL-I
Gold Nugget SL

23. Varieties, Lemons Asian and Western markets. Markets: Domestic, Asia.
Anticipated interest of seedless lemons in the Western markets.
Markets: Domestic, Asia.

24. Varieties, Lemons Variety Knowledge Seeds 2PH SL Lemon 2 SL
Eureka SL (SA)

25. Cultural Practices Pest Control Navels – smooth rind Growth Regulators
Fruit Damage – lower pack-outs
KCT – Fullers Rose Weevil & other pests of concern
Control of Queensland Fruit Fly – female traps
Navels – smooth rind
Growth Regulators
GA – crop regulation, fruit set, creasing and extended harvest
2,4-DP (Corasil) - thinning & sizing
3,5-6 TPA (Tops) - thinning & sizing
2,4-D (Stop Drop) - fruit condition
Pruning for size and quality
Girdling (Cincturing)
MFC Orchard Protocol

26. Rootstocks To adapt to soil conditions Biggest challenge is HLB
Research on resistant/tolerant rootstocks
Market not accepting GMO rootstocks
No solution yet for HLB
Different rootstocks to extend the season and/or to improve brix
Some interesting rootstock selections could be;
C22 – marginal soils
Patricia Barkley (Malcolm Smith)
Chinese Selections (Tahir Khursid)
IVIA Selections (Maria Forner)

27. Take Home Messages Market driven rather than production driven
Before deciding on new varieties talk to your packer
Spread your risk across different markets and varieties
Be open to new varieties and gather information
Be prepared that some varieties may not adapt to certain growing conditions
Rootstocks and cultural practices for best quality and yields

28. Ending Notes Very dynamic industry and good to be a part of
Exciting times ahead
Thanks to MFC to facilitate my presentation
Thanks to MFC growers to allow me to work with them over the years
Best wishes for the new season
THANK YOU