This year’s July field day fulfilled every expectation and in this edition, we share with you the highlights of this great day.
Participants flew in from five continents to be the first to see and taste the exceptional new early ARRA selections as well as selections in advanced stages of evaluation and ARRA grape varieties on the vines.
All together now
Expanding possibilities
Existing ARRA growers and growers interested in the ARRA grape varieties attended the field day to observe first-hand the new, very early varieties.
And we're off.....
Sweet and early
The undoubted stars of the field day were the new generation of early ARRA selections, including some ground-breaking varieties which ripen as much as two to three weeks before Flame Seedless.
The new, very early line of white, red and black grape varieties was genetically derived from many years of meticulous selection for earliness. The development was focused in three directions: White with aromatic flavour, red with brilliant red colour and black with self-colouration and crunchiness
After six years of evaluation, this excellent replacement for early and very early white varieties is in the final stages of evaluation having been tested with great success in various regions of the world with differing climates. Its earliness, combined with excellent colour, eating quality and shelf life results in a winning combination.
A good time for a great taste
Participants made the most of the opportunity to taste the vast array of early ARRA selections and varieties that were presented.
Commercial plots
During the guided tours of the vineyards, participants saw commercial plantations of ARRA varieties.
ARRA Passion Fire™ (ARRA 29) and ARRA Sugar Drop™ (ARRA 30), which are planted on a large scale at Giumarra farms, proved themselves yet again with excellency in crop production and prices, much to the satisfaction of farmers from north to south.
ARRA Sugar Drop™(ARRA 30): This sweet and crunchy variety ripened this year between Early Sweet and Sugraone. The guests were impressed by the crunchiness, uniformity and appearance and the sales department of Giumarra was happy with up to 20% increase in box price compared to other whites marketed on the same day.
ARRA Passion Fire™ (ARRA 29): The yield, berry size and eating quality of the ARRA Passion Fire was expressed in the satisfaction of the guests and that of Giumarra which sold this variety up to 25% more than Flame per box.
ARRA 8A-19+4: Planted semi-commercially in Giumarra northern and southern farms for final observation, the yield and great eating quality together with its shiny colour attracted a lot of attention by the visitors.
At the ARD breeding site, the participants also enjoyed the opportunity to see the selections at various stages of evaluation on the vines.
The perfect end to a perfect day
Participants made the most of the opportunity to taste the vast array of early ARRA selections and varieties that were presented.
We would like to thank all the participants who came from near and far, and whose attendance made the event so memorable.
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