Outcomes From The Dried Grape Industry Partnership Project (DGIPP)

The Australian Dried Fruits Association received significant funding through the Federal Government's Industry Partnership Program initiative to implement 5 dried grape industry projects during 2004/05. Total funding of $556,500 was invested by the Federal Government in the DGIPP with the aim of assisting the industry to lift profitability, sustainability & competitiveness.

Ministerial press release (33KB PDF) announcing the funding decision dated 28 January 2005.

ADFA Chairman, Peter Jones' news release (24KB PDF) welcoming the funding decision dated 28 January 2005.

THE DGIPP PROJECTS & THE OUTCOMES

1. Pilot integrated grower training program "Dried Grapes - A Growing Business"

Objective: - better profitability, productivity & sustainability through improved business, production & environmental skills & decision making

Activity: - pilot program run in 2004/05 to review & revise training program & materials previously developed by the consultant, Scholefield Robinson Mildura in early 2004.

About 25 people involved in pilot program involved 10 workshops covering all aspects of business, production and environmental management & decision making over 12 month production cycle
The ADFA Drying For Profit Committee acted as the Industry Reference Group to review the program content and delivery methods to determine any changes needed
Revised grower training manuals have been printed for use in 2005/06 and beyond
ADFA is now managing delivery of this program to growers and continues to use Garth Swinburn, Scholefield Robinson Mildura in a facilitator's role
In addition, workshop sessions continue to use expert presenters as required for classroom or field presentations to course participants
Farmbis registration has been obtained in both Victoria & South Australia, while ADFA is subsidizing NSW growers so that they pay the same net cost

ADFA welcomes expressions of interest from growers who wish to register to undertake this training program in 2006/07.

2. Dried Grape Industry Benchmarking

Objective: - better profitability & sustainability by encouraging growers to continue to lift performance towards industry best practice

Activity - included designing & implementing a benchmarking system that included financial, environmental & social indicators

This project was completed and a final benchmarking report produced
Report based on a financial survey of 36 grower
The Industry Reference Group was the ADFA Drying For Profit Committee
Individual grower & industry reports produced
The individual growers who participated in the survey have each received their own benchmarking reports and a full briefing from the consultant, RM Consulting Group (& Garth Swinburn, SRM)
In addition, the final dried grape industry report was presented to ADFA and other industry stakeholders at a public forum in Mildura
Copies of the report are available from the ADFA at no cost to members
Benchmarking software available for ongoing use by ADFA & industry

3. Crop Plantings & Food Safety Database

Objective: - Improved production planning & QA management through more comprehensive & accessible database

Activity - involved upgrading industry database by combining existing Approved Supplier & Chemical User databases & improving crop plantings information

The Dried Fruits Quality Centre database has been enhanced
Existing databases (approved supplier & chemical residue) combined
Also, the capability to interrogate data as it is entered & produce benchmarking reports on chemical use has been enhanced significantly
Grower survey undertaken and resulted in the collection and recording of more accurate data
During 2004/05 ADFA also worked with a local computer company to develop and trial an on-line spray diary as an alternative method of data transmission by growers
The expectation is that the industry will be able to further develop the on-line spray diary during 2005/06
Consultant: - Graeme Fitzpatrick
Industry Working Group: - ADFA, HAL, Sunbeam Foods

4. Dried Grape Production Manual

Objective: - to facilitate the adoption of latest technologies and cultural practices

Activity: - printing of the updated ADFA Dried Grape Production Manual

The existing Manual was updated in a joint research project between ADFA & CRCV (Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture)
The original Dried Vine Fruits Production manual was rewritten with input by Drying For Profit Committee members including Riverlink researchers and Sunbeam Foods
Professional assistance was provided by local journalist, Terry Gange
The printing of new manuals was funded by the Federal Government through the Industry Partnership Program
Copies of this excellent reference have been circulated to all ADFA grower members and industry stakeholders. Additional copies can be purchased for $100 plus GST
Industry Reference Group: - the ADFA Drying For Profit Committee

5. Dried Fruits Consumer Research Study

Objective: - Increased consumption by improved marketing & promotion strategies

Activity: - the research study involved use of a range of survey methods to identify consumption patterns and opportunities for future growth.

Provided latest consumer trend and attitudinal information for incorporation into marketing & promotion strategies
Target consumption of 2.25 kg/head
Significant input was provided by both Sunbeam Foods and ADFA
The consultants provided detailed briefings and a final report and recommendations for improving the marketing & promotion strategies for dried fruits
Consultant: - Millward Brown (Sydney based agency)
Joint Industry Steering Committee: - ADFA & Sunbeam Foods