Extreme weather reduces South Australian mandarin and orange supply

Consumers in South Australia may find fewer locally grown mandarins and oranges on supermarket shelves this winter, traditionally the peak of the citrus season. Extreme weather, including record-breaking summer heatwaves and unusually cold, wet winter days, has significantly impacted fruit quality and led to substantial losses for growers.

Citrus grower Mark Doecke, from the Riverland region, described how pickers are starting their shifts later and working shorter hours due to cold mornings. Picking fruit requires specific temperature conditions, and moisture on the fruit can lead to damage within days. "You can't pick fruit under 12 degrees with any moisture on it because … in three or four days after you pick it you'll see [it] with five finger marks on it," Doecke explained.

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You can't pick fruit under 12 degrees with any moisture on it because … in three or four days after you pick it you'll see [it] with five finger marks on it.

This weather also affects the pickers' earnings, as shorter workdays mean less income. "We have to stop [work] at four o'clock, so you get a four-hour day, and the pickers don't really like that either because they want to make some money," Doecke added. The financial losses extend to growers, who receive significantly less for downgraded fruit.

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We have to stop [work] at four o'clock, so you get a four-hour day, and the pickers don't really like that either because they want to make some money.

Fabio Spiniello of Venus Citrus, a packing facility in Loxton, reported that 60 to 70 percent of the fruit has been downgraded this year. Fruit is graded into four classes, with premium produce commanding the highest price. Blemishes, often caused by wind damage when fruit is small, lead to downgrading. "With blemish, it's generally the winds we get over December, January when the fruit is still small," Spiniello said. He noted that growers using netting over their crops are more likely to have their produce accepted at a premium.

Mandarin supply is also down approximately 20 percent due to late flowering and the summer heatwaves, which reached about 45 degrees Celsius for 10 consecutive days. While some varieties like Cara Cara oranges have been exceptional, others, such as Washington navel oranges, show signs of damage from wind and rain. Despite the challenges, demand for citrus remains strong from local customers.

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With blemish, it's generally the winds we get over December, January when the fruit is still small.