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Sweet success for apricot industry

18 March 2011

The State Government has provided just over $20,000 to a Riverland fruit growers' alliance to market a new, sweeter apricot variety.

The grant, from the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, will help the SA Fresh Fruit Growers Association/SA Dried Tree Fruits Association prepare a business and marketing plan for the fresh and dried apricot industries.

"There is an opportunity for the Riverland to supply sweet apricot varieties developed by South Australian researchers," Regional Development Minister Gail Gago said.

"The industry has spent 27 years breeding these uniquely flavoured varieties and we're confident they will be a commercial success.

"The aim is to re-establish the Riverland as the hub of Australian apricot production."

Minister Gago said the SA Fresh Fruit Growers Association and the SA Dried Tree Fruits Association have formed an alliance to capitalise on the market power of the new varieties.

"Using the synergies between the dried and fresh fruit sectors will help boost sales and consumer brand recognition, as well as rebuild the production base," she said.

SA Dried Tree Fruits Association secretary Phil Chidgzey said the grant would help growers reap the rewards of the industry's significant investment over many years.

"We are confident that the business and marketing plan will stimulate real grower interest in new apricot plantings, especially as growers evaluate new opportunities and the potential to diversify their crops now that the drought has broken," Mr Chidgzey said.

"This grant means that we can now explore the full potential of a new marketing approach for these outstanding varieties bred in the Riverland," said Dino Ceracchi, chair of the SA Fresh Fruit Growers Association.

The Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund was a Labor Government election commitment.

Minister Gago said the fund was established to assist with industry restructuring and to promote sustainable economic and social development in the Riverland.

"The $20 million fund is accessible by industry and businesses to fund projects that improve infrastructure, support industry attraction and help grow existing businesses," the Minister said.