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Completed project

Understanding to revitalise fresh pear industry development (AP13011)

Key research provider: The Victorian Department of Environment & Primary Industries
Publication date: Friday, October 17, 2014

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.

Related levy funds
Details

ISBN:
978-0-7341-3423-3

Funding statement:
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation

Copyright:
Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2014. The Final Research Report (in part or as whole) cannot be reproduced, published, communicated or adapted without the prior written consent of Hort Innovation (except as may be permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)).