Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone and Pyap Produce director Ryan Arnold testing out some Riverland citrus. Visitors have been reminded to leave their fruit and veg home when holidaying in the region. PHOTO: Peta-Marie Philippou
PETA-MARIE PHILIPPOU and JANE KUERSCHNER
HOLIDAY makers have been told they have no reason to try and bring fruit and veg into the region, because they can purchase “the best produce in the world” right here in the Riverland.
On the eve of the July school holidays, Pyap Produce director Ryan Arnold and Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone have reminded visitors that the freshest and most delicious fruit and veg is waiting for them once they arrive in the Riverland.
Travellers who attempt to bring fruit and veg into the Riverland can expect to receive a hefty fine with the State Government’s zero tolerance stance on protecting the region from fruit fly.
Mr Whetstone said it was vital for the Riverland to keep its fruit-fly free status intact.
“It threatens our biosecurity here in SA and the growers and the industry have worked hard for decades to achieve the area of freedom status,” he said.
“There’s a high level of recognition globally that if you buy a Riverland piece of citrus that it’s fruit fly free.
“It’s regarded as the best citrus in the world”
Mr Arnold echoed Mr Whetstone’s comments and said the Riverland has exceptional citrus and produce.
“In the Riverland we have got the perfect climate for growing the best citrus in the world,” he said.
“We don’t want to ruin that reputation.
“Being able to market that we’re fruit fly free isn’t only a benefit for us, it’s a benefit for the whole industry.
“We can get fruit to market fresh and quicker, without having to treat it and go through all hoops you need to go through to get fruit fly out of it.”
Mr Arnold said it was the perfect time of the year for some of his citrus varieties.
“At this time of year, we’re getting the freshest and the best citrus,” he said.
“Navels, mandarins, cara cara and pink navels are the shining light at this time of year.”
Mr Whetstone said visitors planning on purchasing citrus while on holiday in the Riverland were in for a treat.
“Visitors can expect a sweet, juicy and much sweeter orange,” he said.
“Our citrus has a unique taste and that’s primarily because it doesn’t have to be treated.”
“It’s a combination of water, soil, climate, growing techniques and underpinned by the biosecurity regime we have.”
