National tree crop intensification program (AS18000)

What was it all about?

The National tree crop intensification program marked a transformative step for Australian horticulture, targeting almond, avocado, citrus, macadamia, and mango industries. Over five years, the project delivered robust, regionally relevant research on high-density orchard systems, innovative canopy management, rootstock and cultivar selection, and economic viability. Through a network of experimental and demonstration sites, the project evaluated new genetics, planting designs, and management strategies, providing growers with practical tools and knowledge to boost productivity and profitability.

Key achievements include the identification of cultivar–rootstock combinations suited to intensive systems, the development of pruning and training techniques for higher yields, and the demonstration of early and sustained productivity in several crops. The project also pioneered the use of automated phenotyping platforms for canopy assessment and delivered comprehensive economic analyses, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of intensification.

Growers benefited from field days, workshops, videos, and industry publications, enabling them to observe outcomes firsthand and make informed decisions about orchard redesign and investment. The project’s collaborative approach, engaging researchers, growers, and industry bodies, ensured that outputs were relevant and immediately applicable. While barriers remain, such as machinery adaptation and market acceptance for alternative cultivars, AS18000 has laid a strong foundation for future innovation, resilience, and sustainability in Australian tree crop industries. Its legacy is a more informed, confident, and connected grower community, ready to adopt advanced systems as conditions and markets evolve.

For more information on the crop-specific activities in this program, you can view their individual project pages on the right-hand side of this page.