Technical development for the Australian prune industry - Stage 2 (DP14000)

What was it all about?

This project, which ran from 2014 to 2017, funded a dedicated industry development officer to drive technology adoption and communication for growers and other industry stakeholders. The ultimate aim was to provide growers with access to information on R&D, new technologies and best-practice management.

Findings from Australian and international research were reviewed and delivered to growers through activities such as field days, forums, APIA’s Annual Conference, and articles written for The Vine magazine and industry e-newsletters.

• The topics covered included…
• IPA Congress in Italy, 2015
• Thinning demonstrations
• Updates from California, including changes in drying technology
• The use of solar tunnels for drying prunes and ultrasonic technology
• Updates on variety trials.

Individual growers were visited throughout the project, with the officer making 10 to 15 visits per week. The flow of information assisted growers to make informed decisions relating to new industry developments and helped renew the confidence of the growers in the industry.

In addition, the officer worked to develop the industry’s quality assurance systems and a dehydration manual.

The project included several on-farm trials, including of solar drying tunnels and ultrasonic pre-treatment through the solar tunnels and a commercial dehydrator, and results were shared with industry.