With many irrigators in much of Victoria, South Australia and NSW facing allocations of 0pc to start the season, horticulturalists are again facing at a tough year, prompting many of them to re-examine their options.

Fruit Growers Victoria General Manager John Wilson says it's been a dry autumn and the forecast wet winter is yet to eventuate.

"If it doesn't occur, the situation will be very serious indeed," Mr Wilson said.

"Growers will need as much information as possible to make their best decisions about what to do and we urge them to take advantage of a free service being offered through Fruit Growers Victoria."

In NSW similar services are being offered by the Murrumbidgee Horticulture Council, in the Sunraysia area the Australian Table Grape Association on behalf of the Murray Valley Horticultural Allianceand, and in SA's Riverland by Citrus Growers SA.

The one-on-one, free, confidential sessions are being offered between now and October to help horticulture irrigators access the financial and agronomic information they need to make business decisions in the face of reduced water availability.

"We've employed local people with expertise in finance or horticulture to help growers manage their businesses today, and plan for tomorrow," Mr Wilson said.

"Growers will have a better idea of their finances once they gather receipts and the like for tax returns, so it's an ideal time to review or prepare a business plan.

"The sessions will provide a sounding board for growers as they consider their options and work out an action plan based on their personal situation."

* For more information go to the HAL website, www.horticulture.com.au/mdbdroughtinfo.