Ten emerging leaders from Australia's cherry industry have returned from an international study tour to Washington State, USA, where they explored large-scale production systems and engaged with international experts. The tour, held from 28 May to 6 June, was funded by Hort Innovation and coordinated by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The group travelled from Seattle to Richland, visiting major cherry-producing regions including Wenatchee, Quincy, Mattawa, and Prosser. The tour coincided with the tenth International Cherry Symposium, offering participants access to global researchers, industry leaders, and discussions on key trends in cherry production.
© Hort Innovation
According to Jessica Fearnley-Pattison, Temperate Fruits Development Officer at NSW DPIRD, the visit was intended to expose participants to a range of technologies and farming approaches used in one of the world's largest cherry-producing regions. Washington State annually produces more than ten times Australia's cherry volume, providing context for comparisons in scale, logistics, and export practices.
The itinerary included visits to commercial orchards and packhouses, where the group observed practices related to quality management, new variety development, and orchard design. Notable techniques included the use of reflective ground covers to improve fruit colour, trellis systems for optimised canopy structure and fruit size, and strategies for managing tree vigour.
One focus of the tour was understanding how Washington growers maintain fruit quality for export markets, particularly under large-scale conditions. Fearnley-Pattison noted that such insights are relevant for Australian producers seeking to improve consistency and competitiveness.
During the International Cherry Symposium, participants attended presentations on a range of subjects, including early-season varieties, the application of gibberellic acid to enhance firmness, protective coverings for climate resilience, and developments in mechanical harvesting. Attendees also engaged with delegates from countries such as Chile, China, Italy, and the United States.
Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation, highlighted the value of international exposure for early-career professionals in horticulture, citing the tour as an opportunity to strengthen technical knowledge and industry networks.
The study tour aimed to equip participants with practical insights to support improvements in their operations upon return to Australia.
For more information:
Shannon O'Mara
Hort Innovation
Tel: +61 (0) 427 142 537
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au
