A PRUNE PROBLEM

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 74, 1 April 1929, Page 12

A PRUNE PROBLEM

Australian prune growers are out to fight for all they are worth against the American article. Fruit is now to be classified in eight grades—2o-30, 3040, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, and small. The figures indicate the number of fruit to the pound. The fruit in each grade must be of uniform size (a margin of 5 per cent, by count allowed)/and of uniformly good, dark colour. The dried prunes contained, in any package must, be of. one grade and one variety. It will now be an offence to pack for sale or sell prunes that do not comply with the grading standards, or which are not legibly marked on the package with the name and address of the person who packed the fruit, and also the grade and variety. The regulations are now in force. The standardisation of the fruit is expected to facilitate sales. The question with which growers are now faced is where to find a market for the whole of the crop now being harvested, even without a continuance of importations from America. If estimates are realised, New South Wales, with an expected output of about 1000 tons, will produce this season sufficient prunes to provide the whole of Australia's consumptive rai'.ihements. In addition, Victoria and South Australia should be able to supply their own needs. Further, there remain about 100 tons of last season's crop in this State still to be sold. During 1928, U.S.A. exported 400 tons of prunes to Australia. Despite 4%d per 1b duty, this fruit was landed at 7d to 7%d per lb. It is reported that the Tariff Board is to be asked for a duty of 6d per lb.