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.

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