Frequently asked questions
Have a question?
The most common questions we receive about Summerfruit Australia, the industry we represent, the summerfruit levy and how our programs work.
About SAL
What is Summerfruit Australia?
Summerfruit Australia Limited (SAL) is the recognised national peak industry body for Australia’s summerfruit growers. We represent growers of apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums across every production state. SAL has operated since 1998 and is recognised by the Australian Government as the prescribed Peak Industry Body (PIB) for the summerfruit industry.
Does Summerfruit Australia represent cherry growers?
No. Summerfruit Australia represents growers of apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums. Cherry growers are represented separately by Cherry Growers Australia.
Where is Summerfruit Australia based?
SAL’s registered office is in Echuca, Victoria. Our team works nationally.
Membership and the Levy
Who can become a member of Summerfruit Australia?
SAL’s constitution recognises all summerfruit levy payers as members. We also welcome wholesalers, retailers, farm input suppliers and industry stakeholders as supporter members.
What is the summerfruit levy?
The summerfruit levy is a statutory levy paid by growers on summerfruit sold in Australia. Levy funds are invested through Hort Innovation’s Summerfruit Fund into research, development and marketing programs that benefit the whole industry.
How is the levy invested?
The summerfruit levy is invested through the Summerfruit Fund Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), managed by Hort Innovation in consultation with industry. Investment areas include production research, market access, biosecurity, extension and marketing.
How do I access member-only resources?
Once you’re a registered member, use the Member Login button at the top of any page to access the member portal. If you need help, contact us at admin@summerfruit.com.au.
Biosecurity
What biosecurity obligations do summerfruit growers have?
All summerfruit growers have on-farm biosecurity obligations, including monitoring for exotic pests, maintaining farm hygiene and reporting suspected detections of High Priority Pests (HPPs). SAL is a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), which covers how emergency plant pest incidents are managed and funded.
What is the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD)?
The EPPRD is a formal agreement between the Australian Government, state and territory governments and plant industries. It covers how Australia responds to emergency plant pest incursions and how response costs are shared. SAL is a signatory on behalf of the summerfruit industry.
How do I report a suspected pest or disease?
A: Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. If you see something unusual in your orchard, report it. Early detection protects the whole industry.
Export and Market Access
How do I export Australian summerfruit?
Exporters must meet the market access protocols set by destination countries and registered with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). SAL’s Summerfruit Export Development Advisory (SEDA) supports exporters with market access information and protocol guidance. See our Exporters page for a step-by-step overview.
Which countries does Australia export summerfruit to?
Australia exports summerfruit into markets across Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. Key markets include China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and the UAE.
Industry Information
How many summerfruit growers are there in Australia?
Australia has approximately 1,200 summerfruit growers producing over 100,000 tonnes per year across 26 regions in every state.
When is the Australian summerfruit season?
Australian summerfruit is available from October through to April, with specific windows varying by crop:
- Peaches: October to April
- Nectarines: November to March
- Plums: November to April
- Apricots: November to February
What makes Australian summerfruit different?
Australia’s warm climate, hot and dry summers and controlled irrigation produce sweet, juicy summerfruit of exceptional eating quality. Australia maintains a strict food safety system and a biosecurity advantage that supports strong domestic and export demand.