The voice of the Australian dried grape industry.

DFA will be running some 'sticky beak' sessions on cordon bunch spraying this month as part of our Hort Innovation-funded events program.

We will look at the vines being sprayed, then follow up about a week later to see how well the job turned out. Notice will be short as we'll be heading out when people are spraying. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, Messenger group and text message service for locations and times.

Come and see the results of our first cordon bunch spraying demonstration back at Ashley Johnstone's place on Friday 18 October from 8–9am.

Dried Fruits Australia's 2019 conference will be held in Mildura on Thursday 31 October. The half-day event will cover key issues affecting the dried grape industry.

The members-only AGM will begin at 1pm. It will be followed by the annual grower forum, which starts at 2pm and finishes at 5pm with drinks and nibbles.

The forum is open to anyone with an interest in the dried grape industry. Speakers this year include:

• Sue Argus: Manager, Sunrise Mapping – dried grapes data project
• Anthony Couroupis: Managing Director, Lower Murray Water – water update
• Judith Damiani: CEO, Western Murray Irrigation – water update
• Warren Lloyd: Project Manager, SuniTAFE Smart Farm Project – new farm technology
• Dried fruit processors: Sunbeam Foods, Murray River Organics and Australian Premium Dried Fruits – market situation and outlook
• Gavin Krake: Manager, Harvest and National Harvest Labour Information Service – MADEC Harvest Labour Services