This project is enhancing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the Australian papaya industry by providing growers with improved knowledge, practices, and proactive attitudes.  

Challenge 

The Australian papaya industry faces various challenges, including the need to improve disease management, soil health, and overall sustainability, while ensuring growers are prepared for future challenges. Addressing issues such as these requires increasing industry knowledge and encouraging the adoption of more efficient, sustainable practices. 

Response  

The project will implement an integrated communication and extension program designed to drive measurable improvements in industry knowledge, awareness, skills, and aspirations. The program will promote the adoption of more profitable and sustainable practices across the sector. To ensure the program addresses real needs, initial one-on-one interviews with growers will help establish priorities and inform program design. 

Key activities and resources provided through the program include:  

• Papaya Press: A tri-annual publication that delivers industry news and updates on research, development, and extension activities to growers.
• Demonstration trials to generate new knowledge and maintain connections with growers. At least two trials will focus on Phytophthora disease, a major industry concern.
• Workshops to engage and improve the knowledge and attitude of the industry, focusing on key topics such as weed management, soil health and nutrition. 
• Papaya Australia website: The ‘For Growers’ section will be updated regularly with industry news, factsheets, and project outputs to ensure growers have access to valuable resources.
• Industry Priorities Document: A document outlining the key industry priorities will be made available to guide ongoing efforts. 

By using a variety of outputs, the communications and extension program will engage growers across Australia, catering to different learning styles and industry segments. In-person events will occur in key papaya-growing regions, ensuring ease of access for growers. 

Benefit  

The project will raise the Australian papaya industry’s overall knowledge, awareness, skills, and aspirations, leading to widespread adoption of improved and innovative management practices. As a result, growers will be better prepared to face future challenges, while enhancing the profitability and sustainability of their operations. The project will also foster stronger relationships between growers, extension services, and research providers, ensuring research remains relevant and that project outcomes are meaningfully integrated into everyday practices.