What was it all about?

This project included the funding of a technical manager to drive technical development and improve competitiveness in the apple and pear industry. It commenced in 2011 and concluded at the end of March 2016.

During this time the project identified R&D needs using a network of growers, researchers, service providers, government and international contacts. R&D programs were managed and their results communicated to growers.

In partnership with AgFirst, the technical manager delivered Future Orchards (then under the investment AP11017), initiated the industry’s ‘research speed updating program’ (under investment AP14003) and organised three postharvest seminars in 2012, 2013 and 2016.

The technical manager gave expert advice to meetings and forums on chemical regulation, biosecurity, climate change, exports, fruit fly, nursery rootstocks, pears, and honeybees and pollination.

Grower tours to North America (in 2012) and Europe (in 2015) were organised and technical editing was done for Australian Fruitgrower magazine editions. This included supplying articles for the magazine as well as for the industry website, blogs, e-newsletters and social media posts.