What was it all about?

The pear industry is facing challenges posed by a reduced demand for processing fruit, diminishing returns and high production costs. The industry needs change, transition and rejuvenation to refocus on fresh pear production.

This one-year project running between 2013 and 2014 set out to characterise the current industry profile by identifying grower segments and to examine any barriers to fresh pear production.

As part of a survey, growers were interviewed about the nature and characteristics of their farm, the pear varieties they grow, the end user for their produce, how they see the future, and the kind of advice they need to improve their business.

The data revealed eight types of growers with different information needs. The eight types were distinguished by cost of block redevelopment, returns on investment of pear crops, availability of cool storage, reductions in the canning sector and consumer demand for pears.

The analysis allowed the development of an interim engagement and communication plan for the pear industry to provide targeted information to reinvigorate each grower segment.