Irrigated Crop Opportunities in the South East of South Australia - 2004-2005

Background

The South East Region of South Australia has a significant processing potato industry and opportunities are sought to develop complementary broad acre enterprises that can effectively utilise the infrastructure that has been developed such as irrigation capability, and specialised cultivation equipment and crop production expertise.

Objectives

Two opportunities are currently being evaluated.  Development of a mint oil industry and a dry culinary bean production industry.

Key Achievements

Mint Oil Industry

  • The project is a cooperative venture between key growers, PIRSA, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and is managed by Rural Solutions SA.
  • Nursery multiplication and small scale plot trials of four mint selections were established.
  • Peppermint and spearmint varieties were harvested and samples were steam distilled with resulting essential oil collected for analyses.
  • Peppermint and spearmint essential oil samples were completed during 2004-05.
  • A Final Report has been prepared and accepted by Horticulture Australia Limited.  Copies of the report will be available from HAL via their web site.

Culinary Beans

  • beansThe project is a cooperative venture between PIRSA and a commercial vertically integrated seed company with support from Rural Solutions SA.
  • The work indicates that the Mingbool and Mil Lel areas offer production opportunities for a number of culinary bean varieties.
  • Seed multiplication work was carried out during 2004-05.
  • Possible small scale commercialisation is likely to occur during 2005-06.

Project Leader:  Mark Bartetzko