IndustryAgriculture

Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Virginia survive as stalwarts of South Australian fruit and vegetables

Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Virginia survive as stalwarts of South Australian fruit and vegetables
South Australian produce is highlighted at Adelaide's Central Market.

Through storms, oversupply and price stuggles, Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Virginia continue as stalwarts of South Australian fruit and vegetable production.

Riverland stonefruit growers were hoping in 2016 that an export deal with China would help turn the industry around after years of struggle against oversupply and poor prices. They started sending nectarines to China for the first time, as part of a protocol struck between the agriculture department and the Chinese government. China is the first market opened to the stonefruit industry in about two decades. The department is negotiating similar protocols for Riverland peaches and plums.

Aside from dried fruits, the Riverland is home to Costa, Australia’s largest citrus grower, and a booming almond growing industry.

The Vietnamese Farmers Association of South Australia, representing hundreds of vegetable and fruit growers around Virginia north of Adelaide, marked its 30th year in 2016 when the area was affected by flooding.

Virginia is a horticultural melting pot of multiculturalism feeling the heat of large companies moving into the region. While commending the state government on its food production hub at Parafield Airport, small growers wanted government could set up some system to help growers to sell more here and overseas.

The Adelaide Hills growers have expanded their businesses by opening them up to casual fruit pickers. Strawberries are in season from November to April at Beerenberg Farm, Hahndorf. In December and January, cherries can be picked at several orchards. Figs can be picked at  Willabrand at Glen Ewin Estate in Houghton from February to April.

The Apple & Pear Growers Association coordinates the Pick a Pink Lady Weekend in Lenswood in May where visitors meet the grower, discover how fruit is produced, pick some Pink Lady apples right off the tree, learn about and taste different varieties, buy fresh apples to take home, enjoy home-cooked apple crumble and other produce. Magarey Orchard at Coromandel Valley is best known for its pears and has designated open days.

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