"Internation extension specialist tours Australia"
As the Pistachio Industry expands in Australia there becomes a need to build capacity within the industry. Technology transfer is an integral part of the strategic plan of the Pistachio Growers’ Association Inc and building the grower knowledge base.
“Louise Ferguson has been a valuable resource for the Australian Pistachio industry over many years in areas including orchard management and development” said Mr Chris Lee, President, Pistachio Growers’ Association.
Current growers are seeking additional information to assist in improving nut yields and quality and new growers are seeking support as they look to develop new orchards and pistachio businesses..
“The Pistachio Industry has agreed to fund ‘PIT’ Groups – Pistachio Information Technology Groups – as a practical way of taking the relevant technical and scientific information directly to the growers. ‘PIT’ Groups are being established in the Riverland, Mildura and Swan Hill regions and the visit by Louise Ferguson is the launch of these new groups and the technology transfer process” said Mr Chris Joyce, Chair, Pistachio R&D Committee.
Louise Ferguson has been an important resource for both the local researchers and industry representatives by assisting with practical solutions to growing pistachios.
“The opportunity to bring Louise Ferguson to Australia to visit orchards, meet with industry and researchers and give of her extensive knowledge was too good to pass up. We are appreciative of the financial support given by Horticulture Australia Limited using voluntary contributions from the Pistachio Industry and matched funds from the Australian Government” said Mr Lee.
Louise Ferguson will be giving presentations to growers at Renmark (12th August) Nangiloc (13th August) and Swan Hill (14th August).