Riverina Agriculture Australia by Vince Bucello

Summary

The Riverina region in New South Wales, Australia, is celebrated as a leading agricultural hub known for its diverse farming sectors. It produces a significant portion of the nation's citrus, wine grapes, rice, and livestock, with a focus on sustainable practices and innovation. Renowned for its high-quality exports, including Riverina spa juice and Sunrise rice, the region offers a comprehensive agricultural experience for tours, showcasing its commitment to excellence in food and fiber production.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The Riverina, located in southwestern New South Wales, is renowned for its scenic beauty and agricultural diversity, often referred to as Australia's 'food bowl'.
• 🍊 The Riverina is Australia's largest citrus growing region, supplying about 30% of the nation's citrus with Valencia oranges being the most produced variety.
• 🥤 Nearly 65% of the region's Valencia crop is used for fresh juice production, and technology advancements have allowed for greater international market access.
• 🌎 Riverina citrus is exported to various countries, including the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and New Zealand.
• 🍇 Since 1913, the Riverina has become the largest wine grape producing region in Australia, with nearly 65% of New South Wales' total production.
• 🌱 Advanced irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and water recycling, are used to optimize grape quality and sustainability in the Riverina's vineyards.
• 🍚 The Riverina is the heartland of Australia's rice industry, with the Murrumbidgee irrigation scheme contributing to its development since 1912.
• 🌾 SunRice, headquartered in the Riverina, is a major global rice food company and one of Australia's largest exporters of processed branded foods.
• 🍇 The Riverina's prune industry is growing, with most of Australia's 80 growers located in the region, promoting the health benefits of prunes.
• 🌿 Olive growers in the Riverina produce a range of products, and the region's Department of Primary Industries offers a commercial service to test olive oil products for international standards.
• 🐄 The Riverina is a significant contributor to Australia's livestock industry, with large properties home to dairy cattle, sheep, and various breeds of beef cattle.
• 🏛 The Wagga Wagga livestock marketing centre is Australia's premier livestock market, leading in the sale of livestock for over 30 years.

Q & A

Where is the Riverina located and why is it significant?

The Riverina is located in southwestern New South Wales, Australia. It is significant as it is one of the most scenic and agriculturally diverse areas, often referred to as the 'food bowl of the nation'.

What types of agricultural pursuits are prevalent in the Riverina?

Agricultural pursuits in the Riverina include dairy farming, cropping, horticulture, dryland farming, citrus production, wine grape production, rice cultivation, and livestock farming.

What is the Riverina known for in terms of citrus production?

The Riverina is known for being Australia's largest citrus growing region, supplying about 30 percent of the country's citrus with over 3 million trees.

How does the Riverina contribute to the global citrus market?

The Riverina contributes to the global citrus market by exporting roughly 20% of its citrus, with fresh fruit being shipped to countries including the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and New Zealand.

What is the significance of the Riverina in Australia's wine industry?

The Riverina is the largest wine grape producing region in Australia, accounting for around 65% of New South Wales' total production and providing a vital boost to the regional economy.

How does the Riverina optimize water use in its vineyards?

The Riverina optimizes water use in its vineyards through a system of channels and pipes, state-of-the-art drip irrigation, and water recycling systems, ensuring the sustainability of water resources.

What are the main grape varieties grown in the Riverina?

The three main grape varieties grown in the Riverina are Chardonnay, Semillon, and Shiraz, which make up more than half of the region's plantings.

How has the Riverina developed as a wine destination?

The Riverina has emerged as a burgeoning wine destination due to its warm, dry summers ideal for producing classic wines, and its award-winning vintages that have attracted wine enthusiasts.

What is the role of the Riverina in Australia's rice industry?

The Riverina is the heartland of Australia's rice industry, with commercial rice production starting in 1924 and quickly developing into one of the world's most efficient and innovative rice industries.

How does the Riverina contribute to Australia's prune industry?

The Riverina contributes significantly to the prune industry as the majority of Australia's 80 growers are located there, with the prunes being produced in on-farm factories and promoted for their health benefits.

What are the Riverina's contributions to the livestock industry?

The Riverina is a major contributor to Australia's livestock industry, with large and intensive properties home to dairy cattle, sheep for meat and wool, and beef cattle such as Hereford, Murray Grey, Angus, and the highly sought-after Japanese Wagyu breed.

How does the Riverina support agricultural research and education?

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, which has an institute and offices throughout the region, is responsible for conducting research into crop yields, quality, climate change, and disease resistance, as well as providing extension and educational training to improve farmer and industry profitability.