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Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.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?

This project aimed to improve communication within the Queensland apple industry through the continued employment of an Industry Development Officer (IDO). Activities included promotion of apples via the Stanthorpe apple campaign; production of a monthly newsletter, sending of ad hoc information to growers as important issues arose, organisation of workshops and assisting local grower groups.

The main activities undertaken throughout the project included:

• Development of an industry strategic plan
• Increasing industry cohesion, unity and knowledge by involving growers in key decisions
• Increasing communication within industry
• Attending and arranging industry meetings
• Facilitating increased involvement by the Stanthorpe Apple Committee in industry matters
• Helping to coordinate industry consultation for key industry issues such as biosecurity,

The key outcomes from the project included the promotion of apples through Diabetes Australia where the researcher displayed and handed out different varieties of apples and promotional fliers also the Royal Queensland Ekka where we had a large display with thousands of people passing by daily for 2 weeks.

This project greatly benefited industry in many ways including:

• More united grower groups and more informed stakeholders. This was facilitated through local grower meetings and more direct involvement from the Stanthorpe Apple Committee, APAL and Growcom.
• A more proactive and independent industry through ongoing support from the Stanthorpe Apple Committee, Growcom and APAL.
• A more well-informed industry through exposure to experienced speakers at grower meetings relating to industry issues and a diverse and flexible communication strategy by the State representative body, Growcom. 
• A stronger sense of industry direction and cohesion. The local Stanthorpe Apple Committee became more involved in local industry issues and had helped to facilitate more direct contact with the National Peak Industry Body (Apple and Pear Australia (APAL)) and the State Representative Body Growcom.