In the arid landscape of Western Australia's Pilbara, known for its iron ore production, a surprising agricultural venture is taking root. A stone fruit trial on the outskirts of Newman, a town synonymous with mining, is part of a $5.9 million state-funded agriculture initiative.
The trial at Martu Farm, an Aboriginal-led project, has yielded peaches, nectarines, and grapes, challenging the notion that agriculture can't thrive in traditionally mining-dominated towns. Angela Wilmot of Martu Farm expressed awe at the successful cultivation amidst the red dirt, highlighting the community's engagement and enjoyment of the fruits.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) spearheaded this trial, exploring the Pilbara's potential for horticulture. Chris Schelfhout from DPIRD identified an opportunity to establish a stone fruit sector in the region, potentially filling a gap in the domestic market currently met by imports. With Newman's unique geography and the possibility of leveraging water resources from mining operations, there's optimism for developing a lucrative stone fruit industry in the Pilbara.
Source: abc.net.au