A new fruit treatment facility in Victoria’s north-west will see the Sunraysia produce industry become internationally competitive.
Mildura Fruit Company’s (MFC) export volumes are set to increase thanks to a new $1 million rapid cold treatment facility at Wakefield Transport Group at Merbein, outside Mildura.
Located in the heart of a major fruit growing area, the facility can cool citrus from 25 degrees to less than a degree in 24 hours, making the export process much quicker and cheaper.
Jointly funded by MFC and Wakefield Transport Group, the project was made possible thanks to a $300,000 State Government grant.
The opening of the two-room disinfestation facility, which stores up to 200 pallets, means that fruit no longer needs to be sent to Shepparton for treatment to meet export protocols.
Photography: Stephen Dwight