HIA project yields strong results for apple growers
Mr Green is part of a select group of growers participating in the project, Future Orchards, which involves dedicating two blocks of his Adelaide Hills orchard for trialing optimal fruit size. After more than five years of participation, the fourth generation grower is reaping in the benefits.
“Future Orchards is about pushing preconceived boundaries to achieve quality of fruit while maintaining production levels at the same time,” Mr Green said. “The project proves that with a more strategic approach to orchard management, you can grow your operation with greater confidence in production tracking. Achieving more than 100 tonnes per hectare is a definite highlight so far.”
Sharing data on orchard inputs, yields, pack outs and financial returns at the well attended ‘orchard walks’ on participants’ trial blocks has contributed greatly to the project’s ongoing success, according to HIA CEO John Lloyd.
“Future Orchards is a practical and hands-on project that demonstrates positive outcomes for growers, including an increase in production of high quality fruit at internationally competitive prices, implementing best practice and addressing local issues with applied trials,” Mr Lloyd said.
“We have worked collaboratively with Apple and Pear Australia Limited since the project’s launch in 2006, and together are committed to its ongoing success, notably its influence in lifting the industry’s national average by more than two tonnes per hectare and improving the Class 1 pack out. The success of the Future Orchards model can be used as a template for other temperate and perennial tree crops in Australia.”
When asked what advice he would share to other growers looking to increase their production and profitability, Mr Green said a thirst of knowledge goes a long way.
“Future Orchards has definitely accelerated my learning curve and way of thinking and helped build my industry networking on a domestic and international level,” Mr Green said. “In today’s world, we need to be innovative in our own right. It’s about being receptive to new ideas with an open mind to new technologies, valuing the importance of benchmarking, learning from mistakes, and of course having a passion for what you do goes a long way.”
For more information:
John Lloyd
Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
Tel. +61 2 8295 2321
Email: john.lloyd@horticulture.com.au