SuniTAFE’s SMART Farm campus had reason to celebrate at the end of 2024, receiving two prizes at the annual Sunbeam Awards.  

Each year, Sunbeam rewards 18 growers across the region for their high-quality production of dried fruit.  

This year, SuniTAFE was one of those recipients. Additionally, the SMART Farm took home the Top Export prize which is awarded to one grower that produces dried fruit of the highest export quality.  

Each award presented is recognition of a grower’s ability to consistently produce fruit to a high standard while following established protocols at all times.  

SuniTAFE Farm Manager Kevin Sharman is no stranger to these awards, having led the SMART Farm to award wins in previous years.  

“The SuniTAFE SMART Farm has won awards for all three crops, currants, sultanas, and sun muscats, totalling nine awards over the past 20 years that I have worked here,” he said. 

“The Farm has also received awards from Dried Fruits Australia and the Mildura Field Days.” 

Being selected for these awards is rewarding for Kevin and the rest of the SMART Farm team because of the immense effort that goes into producing dried fruit every year. 

“Winning an award takes significant skill, dedication, and knowledge of the processes involved,” he said.  

“This happens from the first sprouting of leaves in spring, to cutting the canes in February, to applying and adjusting drying emulsion rates, to running large industrial dehydrators to finish drying the fruit.” 

The SMART Farm is committed to being a leader in local horticulture and has a highly skilled and knowledgeable team on board to enable this. 

“I’ve been heavily involved in dried fruit production all my life and have gained significant knowledge and experience over many decades,” Kevin said.  

“I’m able to apply that knowledge in an environment that is well supported by a team of hard-working staff that are all dedicated to producing high quality dried grapes. 

“This is why I believe that that the SuniTAFE SMART Farm has won so many awards, and I love to pass on my knowledge to emerging staff and students.” 

There are several risks involved in producing dried fruits, making it crucial for staff to adapt and find new ways to overcome challenges.  

“It cannot be underestimated how the variability and unpredictability of weather events across a given season can significantly challenge even the most experienced growers,” Kevin said.  

“This means the production of consistently high-quality dried fruit takes considerable dedication by the grower. 

“The new machinery shed that has just been built on the SMART Farm is a very welcomed introduction as it will mean we can securely store large quantities of dried fruit as soon as it is harvested off the vines. 

“This will keep the fruit safe from adverse weather events which may further increase quality outcomes.” 

SuniTAFE’s SMART Farm is continually looking for new ways to improve operations to boost both their efficiency and sustainability. In 2024, the SMART Farm paired up with Netafim to recycle old driplines and minimise their negative impact on the environment. Click here to read about this initiative.  

Interested in being a part of the future of Horticulture in Australia? Visit our website to see the courses on offer at the SuniTAFE SMART Farm, ranging from Certificate levels to Diploma.