TECHNICAL SERVICES

Assistance with NASAA Organic Certification 

We can offer assistance with the conversion of your enterprise from conventional to organic status through NASAA or BFA certification. Our team has the experience in implementing the guidelines and record keeping systems to streamline this process and make it an easy transition.

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Freshcare On Farm Assurance Program

“Freshcare” quality assurance program is a record keeping and quality system designed to ensure the traceability of horticultural produce. This certification is becoming more frequently a requirement of producers looking to do business with the major purchasers and fresh and horticultural produce. Down to Earth can assist with your “Freshcare” registration whether its your vineyard, orchard or market garden.

MACHINERY HIRE

LABOUR HIRE

Plant Tissue Analysis and Sap Testing

During key stages of the growing season we collect plant tissue and sap samples for analysis and then interpret these results so that the plants are receiving the right nutrition at the right time to produce a premium quality crop.

Soil Sampling and Analysis

We regularly conduct soil samples to ensure we are looking after the soils in which we are producing annual and perennial crops. We recognise that to optimise yield and quality we require balanced fertile soils. We offer a comprehensive soil testing and interpretation service utilising a number of registered labs and qualified soil scientists to recommend sustainable soil additives to optimise soil health.

Yield Estimations

We collect valuable data throughout the year to provide accurate yield estimations to industry standards. Continual re-evaluation of yields throughout the growing season aids in benchmarking quality parameters so yields can be matched to specific markets and contracts. This ensures that outcomes are in line with industry expectations.

Propogation and Graftings

Grafting has been in high demand in recent years as growers change varieties to keep up with the market trends. We can assist you with your grafting and we offer several different grafting techniques and solutions to match your specific situation. From grafting through to after care we can help you.

Maturity Testing

We have the facilities and expertise available to test brix (TSS), pH and acidity of samples in our laboratory during the lead up to harvest

We work closely with the grower/producer to market standards to ensure produce is delivered to the highest quality. Maturity testing is a valuable tool in determining when optimal harvest maturity is to occur.  

Contact Tim Byrne: t.byrne@dtearth.com.au

Grape Sampling

In addition to labour and machinery hire, our qualified and highly experienced viticulture and horticulture teams are at hand to provide a number of technical services to maximise your enterprises productivity and profitability.

Bud Dissections
Bud dissection analysis is a valuable tool to identify:

  • Bud Fertility
  • Bud Fruitfulness
  • Primary Bud Necrosis
  • Bud Mite Infestations
  • Yield estimations

Bud dissections are carried out in autumn on dormant buds along the cane. We will give you expert advice on the best pruning management strategy for your vineyard to achieve its target yields based on the information obtained from the bud dissections analysis.

 

An example of Primary Bud Necrosis under the microscope.

Percentage of totally necrotic buds and buds that have Primary Bud Necrosis in different varieties at a vineyard.

The average fruitfulness and necrosis at different nodes along a cane.

Contact Charlie Ward: charlie@dtearth.com.au