The voice of the Australian dried grape industry.

Dried grape growers and other industry members are invited to attend DFA's pruning field trial and nutrition workshop.

The workshop will include a presentation on vine nutrition, and we will also have a look at the pruning field trial that’s been set up by our event host, grower Ashley Johnstone.

Pruning is a huge cost in time and labour, and the focus of the trial is to reduce that time. It will compare the impact of two pruning methods – simply trapping canes under the wire on a swingarm trellis without rolling them onto the wire, and Ashley’s normal technique, which includes some rolling on.

To register, contact Stuart Putland on 03 5023 5174 or at projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au. You can also RSVP by selecting 'going' in the Facebook event.

If you won’t be finished with pruning by the end of July, consider rewarding yourself with a short well-earned break.

Dried Fruits Australia's 2019 Industry Tour, funded by Hort Innovation, will take place from 29 to 31 July. We will visit:

• The Australian prune industry around Griffith, particularly looking at their dehydration technology;
• The National Wine and Grape Industry Centre at Wagga to discuss the researchers' work in vine pest and disease management, vine physiology, and fruit growth and composition;
• Murray River irrigation supply issues around Echuca with Goulburn Murray Water staff;
• Major irrigation businesses between Echuca and Swan Hill with Agriculture Victoria staff.

To book your spot, please contact Stuart Putland before 10 July at projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au or on 0428 338 276.

Participants will need to cover their own food and accommodation expenses. DFA will cover all travel and organisation expenses.