The dried grape industry’s best producing businesses will be recognised this season with the introduction of a new annual awards program.

Dried Fruits Australia’s Top Crop Awards will highlight and reward businesses that produce the highest value crop per hectare, with individual awards for all major varieties – Sunglo, Sunmuscat, currants, Selma Pete, Sugra 39 and sultanas.

The award winners will be announced at Mildura Field Days this year alongside the presentation of DFA’s long-running Dried Fruit Quality Awards.

The overall winner will receive a $500 Mildura City Heart gift voucher, while each category winner will receive a $100 voucher.

DFA Chair Mark King said the winners would be determined based on their final yields, fruit grades, any deductions, and publicly known base-level pricing.

“These are a new type of awards for the dried grape industry, incorporating a new standard,” Mr King said.

“They focus on commercial outcome rather than fruit quality specifically.

“For example, in the Sunmuscat category, an 11.6 tonnes per hectare 5 crown brown entry with no deductions will score better than a 10 tonnes per hectare 5 crown light entry.”

Mr King said the huge demand for Australian dried grapes in export markets highlighted the opportunity for further industry growth.

“High production systems are part of the answer to meeting market demand along with continued growth in the industry,” he said.

Entries for the DFA Top Crop Awards close March 18, with final yields, fruit grades and deductions to be provided by May 16.

For more information and to enter, contact DFA on 5023 5174 or at projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au