This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The focus of this project was to maintain and improve communication within the Tasmanian apple, pear, cherry and stonefruit industries and the national industry network. In addition, to providing the dissemination of information and resources for growers in line with the State & National Industry Strategic Plans, it also to facilitated the pursuit of export development, market access and international competitiveness.

The positive outcomes from Hort Innovation's (then Horticulture Australia Limited) Project MT09047 could be measured in part by the recognition FGT had earned as an effective regional industry representative body. This in turn was beneficial to industry in creating a positive industry profile with recognition of a well informed, proactive industry.

There were clear indications that industry sectors, particularly cherries would experience even further growth over the coming years. Over the previous 5 years, cherry production both in Tasmania and nationally had increased significantly and was likely to increase even further over the next 3-4 years, particularly if there were no adverse weather events such as untimely frosts or rain, as had happened in the previous couple of seasons.

The apple industry had seen a rationalisation with new plantings, work undertaken on club varieties and less commercially viable varieties being replaced with more popular varieties such as royal gala. Success in the industry however created increased vulnerability in relation to issues such as maintaining area freedom status from fruit fly for exports, increasing competitiveness in markets and the need to pursue new markets. FGT continued to address these issues using a proactive approach and development of appropriate resources to meet these challenges.

The Project Officer and Management Committee for Project MT09047 recognised the need to be lateral in its approach to carrying out the stated activities by being aware of the ever changing circumstances and priorities within industry and adapting accordingly. Therefore Project MT09047 had been successful in providing vital strategic support for activities in response to the industry’s needs.