What varieties of citrus are currently being harvested in the Riverland? 
Currently the Riverland is finishing our season, with a few valencia oranges left to harvest.

Are growers confident in the quality, and volume, of fruit at this stage? 
The 2022 crop looks promising, although late spring 2021 wind damage could be an issue. It looks like a mixed fruit set, with some varieties up on last year and some down.

Have you seen an increase for any specific varieties recently? 
There has been an increase in hectares planted recently of pink flesh navels – also known as cara cara – and also afourer mandarins.

Did the summer weather pose any challenges for growers? 
The spring weather conditions were well below-average with regard to temperature, which caused a long flowering. The summer weather has been good for citrus growing. We have had almost no extreme temperatures and citrus loves some humid weather.

Will labour availability be an issue this year at all? 
Labour is still a major issue but hopefully the Pacific Islands Program running, and the return of some working holiday makers, will alleviate the extreme worker shortage as 2022 progresses. 

What factors are important to ensure healthy trees at the moment? 
To produce good quality fruit, tree health is vital. Water is the major factor in tree health and secondary is nutrition with major elements and trace elements. 
Organic inputs are also useful, like manure-based products or seaweed products.