From 4 to 6 August 2025, the Goulburn Valley hosted the APAL Technical Symposium and the APAL Awards for Excellence, bringing together growers, researchers, and industry professionals from across Australia. The three-day program included masterclasses, technical presentations, orchard walks, and in-field demonstrations.
© APAL
The event opened on 4 August at Tatura SmartFarm with the Masterclass Series, designed to provide technical knowledge relevant to orchard business improvement. Topics included budgeting and cash flow planning, integrated pest and disease management, sprayer calibration, and postharvest management. Sessions were led by Ross Wilson (AgFirst), Stephen Tancred (Orchard Services), David Manktelow (Applied Research NZ), Jonathan Brookes (AgFirst), and Dr Hannah James (AgroFresh).
That evening, the APAL Awards for Excellence were presented at Belcibo & Co. Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Scott Price (Fruit Growers Tasmania, TAS) and Paul James (Lenswood Cooperative, SA). Other winners included Grower of the Year Brett Squibb (RW Squibb & Sons, TAS), Industry Rising Star Travis Georgopoulos (GV Independent Packers, VIC), Women in Horticulture awardee Nicole Giblett (Newton Orchards, WA), Research and Extension Provider of the Year Dr Hannah James (AgroFresh, VIC), Agritourism Award winner Sam Licciardello (Orchard 1 Sixty, WA), and Marketer of the Year Shane Priest (Priest Bros Orchards, VIC). Each recipient received a trophy and a US$670 travel voucher.
© APAL
On 5 August, the Presentations Day was held at The Woolshed @ Emerald Bank. Professor Bill Malcolm addressed the economics of intensified orchard systems, while Jeremy Griffith (APAL) discussed global supply and competition. Jesse Reader (Hort Innovation) outlined technology trends in horticulture. Technical sessions included Alberto Dorigoni on tree architecture, Ben James on workforce capability, and David Manktelow on spray application optimisation. Jonathan Brookes presented on precision production management, and grower Brett Squibb shared farm-level results. Nic Finger summarised key performance focus areas. The day ended with a panel discussion on labour efficiency, canopy systems, and cost tracking, followed by an open plenary session.
The evening "Pears in the Pub" networking event at The Aussie was aimed at pear growers, featuring presentations from Dr Sally Bound and Dr Lexie McClymont on pear disease management.
© APAL
The 6 August Field Day, hosted at Tatura SmartFarm and nearby orchards, showcased research and demonstrations aligned with the national PIPS 4 Profit program. Activities included sprayer calibration, tree training, and pest management, with attendees able to observe methods in operation and discuss adoption potential.
The program combined technical knowledge exchange, grower engagement, and sector recognition, with discussions addressing labour, climate adaptation, market competition, and production optimisation.
For more information:
Apple and Pear Australia Ltd
Tel: +61 3 9329 3511
Email: [email protected]
apal.org.au
