Growing conditions have been very good in the valley and the growers are expecting a good harvest season. These growers don't seem to have any problems with labour, possibly because they are very popular with backpackers.
Apples were first up, with two family growers who have been in the area for generations and survived the many ups and down of the Australian apple industry. These days the businesses are diversifying and spreading the risk with other crops or lengthening the season with many apple varieties.
One thing they had in common was that they each have developed a unique variety and have been successful in bringing it to the Asian markets. One grower has also developed a brand of cider to utilize the apples which would normally go to waste.
In the same area a major salad grower overcame some very challenging years and is going full steam ahead with new production innovative products for the domestic as well as the export market.