THE state of the nation’s dried fruit industry, including a seasonal outlook, will be discussed this Wednesday when Renmark hosts the first in a series of grower forum events.

After several years, Dried Fruit Australia’s Mildura-based staff, along with board members and processor representatives, will return to the Riverland region to connect with dried grape growers and encourage others to join the industry.

The forum will include presentations from DFA and its Innovation Committee, a season outlook, an insight into mechanisation and automation, new dried grape varieties, as well as updates from the Australian industry’s two processors, Sunbeam Foods and Australian Premium Dried Fruits.

The event will include an open forum opportunity to ask questions and discuss challenges, concerns, or ways the peak industry body can assist growers.

DFA CEO Thomas Cheung, who started in the role in September last year, said the event was an opportunity for him to meet more growers and understand their wants and needs from DFA.

“We’ll also be able to introduce our new industry field officer Stephen Kelly, board chair Mark King, Innovation Committee chair Ashley Johnstone and new board member, local Barmera dried grape grower, Ashley Chabrel,” he said.

“We as an organisation have not hosted events of this kind in South Australia for some time, so it will be great to visit and connect with our growers in the Riverland and keep them updated on the current season and the work DFA is doing for the industry.”

Any dried grape growers, or those considering entering the industry, are welcome to attend the event at the Renmark Hotel at 5pm on Wednesday, February 15, and should contact the DFA office on (03) 5023 5174 to register their interest.

The forum series will continue throughout this year with events in towns around the growing district of Sunraysia.