Mango growth on track

The Conference focused on four key issues including forecasting, mango quality, supply-chain engagement and consumer marketing.

Australian Mango Industry Association chairman Gavin Scurr said while there are still real challenges ahead, and every season brings more than its share of challenges for some, he believes there is a different feeling in the industry right now, one of cautious optimism and a sense of purpose across all sectors.

“We have begun a new chapter and the conference is a catalyst for growers to work as a united industry, while simultaneously building our own businesses,” Mr Scurr said.

“The conference gave us an opportunity to reflect on the season that was and look forward to the industry we want to create.

“We have all worked hard to build this momentum, and now is the time to reinforce our goals and work together to achieve them.

“Growing your profitability was the underlying message of the conference, and the sessions were tailored to include topics, discussions and presentations that delivered real value to ensure attendees walked away with new ways of thinking and practices that will improve their profitability.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech by Global Consulting’s Dawn Gray, who provided an international perspective on the potential of the industry and gave solid advice to use collaboration as a stepping stone to success that attendees took on-board at a personal level as a way to increase the potential of their businesses.

“We reviewed the headway we have made in exports this season and what we took away from these experiences is vital for success in for future seasons,” Ms Gray said.

The social side of the conference culminated with the gala dinner sponsored by Woolworths that capped the second days’ activities.

The night provided a great opportunity for industry representatives from across the nation to socialise and network while enjoying some great food and entertainment.

Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe said the biennial event focussed on building collaboration to maximise market opportunities.

“The Team Australia approach was recently launched to enhance our mango export market, giving governments and the Australian Mango Industry Association a clear path to work together on how we can grow the sector,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.

“Developing the North is a priority for the Country Liberals Government to promote job creation, business opportunity and a prosperous economy.

“The NT mango industry is already worth up to $80 million annually to the local economy but we are confident that figure can be increased significantly in the future.

He said growth within the mango industry will be a key initiative of the $1.2 million Central Australian Horticultural Development program announced in Budget 2015.

“The NT Government will investigate if the mango season can be extended to commence in September and finish in late February," Mr van Holthe said.

“We will work closely with industry to develop techniques to manipulate the flowering intensity of the fruit, while maintaining its quality.

“My Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries is currently identifying suitable parcels of land south of Mataranka so we can begin trials.”