The Citrus Segment

Citrus SA Inc.

Providing growers, packers and industry representatives with important information, profile pieces and extension research relevant to South Australia and beyond. Funded by Citrus SA Inc. and produced by The Podcast Station.

  1. Riverland Citrus Stories I Episode 1 - Barry Philp and the development of SA's Citrus Industry

    FEB 22

    Riverland Citrus Stories I Episode 1 - Barry Philp and the development of SA's Citrus Industry

    This is the first episode in Riverland Citrus Stories, a new special series on The Citrus Segment podcast for Citrus SA, examining how South Australia’s citrus industry developed and evolved over time. To set the scene, Barry Philp from the Primary Industries and Resources SA History Group provides a detailed historical overview of citrus growing in the state. From early Adelaide orchards to the establishment of River Murray irrigation districts, the episode outlines the structural, technological and market forces that shaped the modern industry. The discussion explores key turning points including the growth of the juice industry, export market development, cooperative packing sheds, the impact of Brazilian frozen concentrate, structural adjustment during the millennium drought, and advances in irrigation and orchard systems. Future episodes in the series will feature growers, packers and industry leaders, building on this foundation and exploring the stories behind South Australia’s citrus sector. You can read Barry's research on the Development of the South Australian Citrus Industry here This special series is hosted on The Citrus Segment, the Citrus SA podcast, and has been made possible through funding from the Rex Andrew Trust, administered by the SA Citrus Improvement Society. More information:The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.auCitrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

    42 min
  2. 12/08/2025

    December Chair Chat with Mark Doecke

    In our final Chair Chat for 2025, Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke updates growers on what he’s been working on over the past couple of months, including fruit fly management, import concerns, industry advocacy, and how the season has wrapped up. He also shares insights on juice market prices and finishes with a Christmas message for growers. Citrus SA continues to push for effective fruit fly tools, including sterile insect technology (SIT). SIT has now been deployed in Renmark, with numbers dropping significantly. The team is also working on improving the process for bringing empty bins into SA, which is currently costly and complex for growers. A proposal to allow pomelo imports from Vietnam is raising red flags due to canker, HLB and other pest risks. Citrus SA is supporting Citrus Australia’s submission calling for stronger risk assessment. Letters have also been sent to the SA Minister to reinforce industry concerns. Expectations for improved fruit quality didn’t quite eventuate, with smaller fruit in some areas and some albedo issues. Hot weather and lack of rainfall contributed to size issues. Mark stresses the importance of good nutrition, GA, calcium sprays and regular leaf analysis. High returns continue to rely on growing high-quality packing fruit. Last year’s high juice prices were due to a world shortage, prompting processors to take large volumes. This year, stocks are higher and retail prices have dampened demand, so juice prices have returned to normal levels. Smaller fruit this season has also contributed to faster fill of the juice bin. Mark attended the Japanese Trade Night at Parliament House, helping strengthen export relationships with one of our key markets. Mark wishes all growers a safe and happy Christmas, hopes you get some time with family (apart from irrigation!), and looks forward to catching up again in the New Year.

    7 min
  3. 11/28/2024

    Chair Chat November 24

    In this episode, Kerrie Robertson chats with Mark Doecke, Chair of Citrus South Australia, to discuss the latest updates on the citrus industry in South Australia as the season wraps up.   Here’s what you can look forward to: Season Update: Insights into the final stages of the season, including Valencia orange sales and juice fruit trends. Juice Prices: Discover how global factors like Florida's declining production and Brazil’s citrus greening disease have impacted juice fruit prices for South Australian growers. Seasonal Conditions: Mark shares how frost, rainfall, and average temperatures have influenced crops and tree health this year. Pests and Diseases: Encouraging news about fruit fly management and updates on other pest control efforts. International Visitors: A group from Nepal toured the Riverland, learning about Australian citrus farming practices. Innovation in Pest Management: Progress updates on citrus gall wasp traps, including testing and development milestones. Media Highlights: Riverland citrus was recently featured on South Aussie with Cosi. Learn how this promotion is benefiting the industry. Festive Message: Mark reflects on a successful year and shares his best wishes for growers during the festive season and into 2025. 🌟 Don’t Miss Out! This is the final Chair Chat for 2024, so tune in to hear all the latest insights and reflections on the citrus industry.   📢 Subscribe Now If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Citrus Segment podcast so you won’t miss any future updates. Happy holidays and best wishes for a successful 2025! 🍊

    7 min

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Providing growers, packers and industry representatives with important information, profile pieces and extension research relevant to South Australia and beyond. Funded by Citrus SA Inc. and produced by The Podcast Station.