For the first time, prunes will feature at this year’s Mudgee Small Farm Field Days with taste tests to demonstrate how the humble dried plum can add a power-packed punch to diets.

NSW Department of Primary Industries prune industry development officer, Anne Mooney, said while prunes were traditionally recognised as a good source of fibre, they deliver a number of additional health benefits.

"Prunes have a low glycemic index (GI), are high in antioxidants, they contain vitamin K and boron for bone health and potassium - they contain no cholesterol and are low in sodium and fat, with no trans fatty acids," Ms Mooney said.

"Prunes can be used in savoury and dessert dishes, are the ideal accompaniment to porridge and breakfast cereals and as a dried fruit can be safely stored for long periods."

Prune samples and dishes will be available, along with information on how prunes are produced from D’Agen plums.

Ms Mooney has just returned from attending the 11th Annual Prune Association Congress in France - the home of the D’Agen plum, and will be able to provide prune producers with some international insights into the industry.

"Climate change was the number one focus across the industry. Big players, California which producers120,000 tonnes, Chile, Argentina and France could face potential export losses if they don’t address climatic issues," she said.

"Our industry produces about 4000 tonnes - not even close to addressing domestic demand.

"But a shift in production from Young to the Riverina with a lot of new plantings in the Griffith, Coleambally, Darlington Point areas and Cobram in Victoria, offers potential for the future development of the local prune industry."

For more information on prunes contact Ms Mooney, (02) 6391 3873.

Media contact: Bernadette York (02) 6391 3936 or 0427 773 785