AN international symposium has helped thrust Australian table grapes even further onto the world stage.
The 7th International Table Grape Symposium was held in Mildura, Victoria last November and could have ongoing benefits for the local industry according to organisers.
The event attracted 346 delegates from more than 21 countries and Australia.
The speaker line-up featured experts from America, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Israel.
Chief executive officer of the Australian Table Grape Association Jeff Scott said it was a significant milestone for the Australian industry.
He said Australian grapes were highly sought after due to their sweetness and quality, with Asia offering a premium market.
Chairman of the 7th International Table Grape Symposium Organising Committee Mark Krstic said several themes were of particular interest throughout.
He said issues to do with grapevine trunk diseases drew particular focus, as did discussions on growth regulators for improving fruit size and colour.
Biosecurity and pest management were other lines of keen input within the information sessions.
The symposium allowed growers to get a glimpse of updates of variety trials from around the world and what new lines are in the pipeline.
“The technical content of the symposium was very solid as well. We had some really good presentations from all around the world. We were very happy with the way it all went,” Mr Krstic said.
The international element to the symposium was just as beneficial for local producers as it was for visitors from overseas, according to Mr Krstic.
“We had a lot of support from the US, South America, South Africa, Italy and Portugal,” he said.
“I think it’s fair to say that a lot of the local industry don’t have a lot of international exposure, so it was good for them to develop some of those networks and linkages with international producers. I thought that was really valuable.”
For many years now Australia has been regarded as a front-runner in terms of grape growing technology.
Mr Krstic said this has carried through to the quality of the table grapes themselves.
“Australia is very well positioned. It has the ability to grow good quality. I think it is clear we have some competitive advantages over some of our major competitors over accessing the Asian market in particular,” he said.
“A lot of the commentary from the internationals was very positive about what they saw throughout the districts.”
Mr Krstic thanked all the sponsors for their major contribution, as well as paying tribute to the Mildura region for providing an ideal venue and surrounds.