The Mildura Raisin Trust (later known as the Mildura Dried Fruits Association) and the Renmark Raisin Trust were both formed in 1895.

Initially both of these organisations attempted to operate independently of each other, but with the same objective of protecting growers interests by regulating prices, setting standard terms and conditions of sale, and promoting exports.

In 1904 the Mildura Fruitgrowers Association and the Renmark Raisin Trust held their first national meeting.

The Australian Dried Fruits Association was formed in 1907 as a federation of the Mildura Dried Fruits Association and the Renmark Raisin Trust.

Even at that early date the ADFA was established for, and controlled by dried fruit growers, with representation from packers, marketing agents and merchants.

In 1923 returns to growers crashed to very low levels, largely as a result of additional production flowing from the World War 1 soldier settlement schemes.

This crisis led to a restructuring of the ADFA with the creating of a national Board of Management to act as the association executive.

The same crisis also saw the formation of the Export Control Board (the former Australian Dried Fruits Board), the Victorian Dried Fruits Board and the Dried Fruits Board of South Australia, all in 1925; the Dried Fruits Board of Western Australia in 1926; and the New South Wales Dried Fruits Board in 1927.

The ADFA was formed to provide the organisation necessary to regulate the flow of dried fruits from the hands of producers, through processors and marketers, into the hands of buyers.

Some 100 years later the ADFA is still committed to ensuring maximum returns to growers from all markets.

The ADFA provides a forum for discussion and decision making on all matters relating to the conduct and management of the Australian dried fruits industry, and represents the industry to all outside parties including government.