Apple and pear
Executive summary
Content
Executive summary 1 Strategic Investment Advisory Panel 2 Marketing report 4
R&D project list 2015/16 8 R&D report 11 Financial summary 20 Minor use permits 21
Executive summary
During 2015/16, Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) was focused on investing the apple and pear levy and
Australian Government contributions into R&D and marketing projects to improve growers’ productivity and profitability
and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
1
More than $4.1 million was invested in R&D projects to assist
growers to manage pests and diseases, encourage supply
chain efficiencies, identify and grow market opportunities, boost
adoption of innovation, and aid decision-making in apple and
pear businesses.
Some of these projects included research to bolster the use
of integrated pest management, updating of the industry’s
biosecurity plan, and a variety of work into boosting orchard
productivity and efficiency. This included reviewing new
varieties, understanding biennial bearing in apples, optimising
nitrogen-use efficiency on-farm and investigating the effects
of water stress.
Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) makes no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent
permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in the Apple and pear levy fund industry Annual Report 2015/2016.
Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation is not responsible for, and will not be liable for,
any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way, including from any Hort Innovation or other
person’s negligence or otherwise from your use or non-use of the Apple and pear levy fund industry Annual Report 2015/2016, or from reliance on
information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation provides to you by any other means.
Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2016.
The projects in this report have been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using sources including the apple and pear levy,
Australian Government contributions and, in some instances, co-contributions from a variety of sources.
There was also the delivery of the Future Orchards program
to accelerate and expand the adoption of innovation and
technology, the use of a technical manager to help improve
the competitiveness of the industry, and the InfoPome collection
of data to help industry operators make accurate predictions of
national crop volumes and prices.
Another important project sought to collate the most interesting
research results about the health benefits of pears from around
the world.
Hort Innovation also invested in strategic marketing activities to
increase apple and pear consumption.
For apples, these initiatives involved having a presence at
Royal Shows and a range of other events, including offering
some 30,000 participants apples at the finish line of a fun run.
There was also a strong social media presence maintained on
behalf of the industry.
For pears, a five-part marketing strategy included partnerships
with a cooking show on Channel Seven and an online recipe
destination, the Hailstorm Heroes Pear campaign to promote
hail-affected fruit to consumers, and ongoing social media
activity.
During 2015/16, an annual industry roundtable also brought
together knowledge gained from grower roadshows, the annual
levy payers’ meeting and other key events and gatherings.
Annual Report 2015/16
Strategic Investment Advisory Panel
Strategic Investment Advisory Panel
Strategic Investment
Advisory Panel
Hort Innovation has established Strategic Investment Advisory Panels (SIAPs) to provide advice to help ensure R&D and
marketing investment decisions are balanced and prioritised by the current needs of each horticulture levy industry.
2
About industry SIAPs
The key function of Hort Innovation’s levy-industry SIAPs is to
provide transparent and robust advice on potential investment
opportunities, helping to guide the way industry levies and
Australian Government contributions are put to use. Each SIAP
has clearly defined objectives associated with the provision of
this strategic investment advice, and is guided by the priorities
set out in the Strategic Investment Plan for each levy industry.
During the 2015/16 financial period, 18 SIAPs were formed,
with others appointed in the 2016/17 period.
Each industry SIAP is made up of panellists from that
industry – most of whom are levy-paying growers – with
appointments made based on skills criteria and considering
geographic and sectoral diversity.
3
Each SIAP also has a chair, as listed on the industry
grower pages of Hort Innovation’s website. The chair
appointments selected by the Hort Innovation Board
reflect a broad range of horticulture and agriculture
experience, as well as solid foundations in former
chairing roles.
Apple and pear SIAP panellists
SIAP meetings
Name
Organisation
Location
Barnett
Sinclair Hyams
Guevgeli Orchard
NSW
James Walters
Lenswood Co-operative
SA
John Power
Batlow Fruit Co-operative
NSW
Summary notes from each SIAP meeting will continue to
be available on the apple and pear grower page on Hort
Innovation’s website, at www.horticulture.com.au/grower-focus/
apple-and-pear. Below is a brief overview of the industry’s
meetings to date.
Kevin Sanders
H&LM Sanders
VIC
May 16, 2016
Peter Hall
M J Hall and Sons
VIC
Phil Pyke
Fruit Growers Tasmania
TAS
Robert Green
Oakleigh Orchards
SA
Scott Dunk
N&A Group
NSW
Held in the 2015/16 period in Melbourne, Victoria, this
meeting included an induction outlining the objectives,
governance and scope of operation of the panel, as well
as Hort Innovation’s funding model, innovation process and
procurement framework.
Craig Chester
Apple and Pear Australia Ltd
VIC
The panel discussed requirements for the development of the
industry’s Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) and the need for broad
industry input from across Australia.
A marketing discussion covered the Australian media
landscape, as well as research and insights on the apple and
pear industry. The discussion was followed by a workshop
outlining the strategic marketing pillars and prioritising the
issues and opportunities for the industry.
Industry involvement in the Australia Fresh market development
program (with events including Asia Fruit Logistica, China Fruit
and Vegetable Fair and World of Perishables in Dubai) and the
Now in Season international marketing program were covered,
along with discussions of potential R&D projects for the industry.
June 14, 2016
Held in the 2015/16 period by teleconference, this meeting
had a focus on the industry’s strategic marketing pillars and
further discussion on R&D concepts including the industry’s
leadership initiative.
There was also continued discussion of the SIP, including
grower engagement during its development and finalisation.
Apple and pear industry levy fund
June 24, 2016
Held in the 2015/16 period on the Gold Coast, Queensland,
this meeting was primarily a workshop on the approach to
developing the SIP. It was held at the National Horticulture
Conference to capture the expert opinion and industry
knowledge of participants also attending the conference.
It was agreed that grower engagement on the SIP align with the
Apple and Pear Austalia Limited (APAL) grower engagement
roadshow to all key apple and pear regions, to ensure
opportunity for grower input.
November 2, 2016
Held in the 2016/17 period in Sydney, New South Wales, this
meeting involved a presentation of the draft SIP to the panel,
with discussions centred on the key strategic objectives.
A marketing presentation included the initial creative concept
for the re-launch of Aussie Apples in 2017 and sponsorship
opportunities, while pears and export opportunities were also
discussed.
Discussion was also held on R&D concepts, including
pollination initiatives, variety evaluation and new cultivars. Other
concepts included reducing heat-related risk to fruit quality,
data analysis of the CSRIO health and wellbeing diet, and a
category management plan.
November 17, 2016
Held in the 2016/17 period via teleconference, this meeting
included SIAP input on R&D concept proposals, including the
development of robotics in pome fruit.
The new Hort Innovation Organisational Trade Framework
was introduced, with discussion on the alignment of trade
activities within Hort Innovation to provide more structure
around international trade activities across horticulture,
and consultation across a wide range of stakeholders.
Annual Report 2015/16
Marketing report
Marketing report
Marketing report
Hort Innovation’s 2015/16 marketing program for the apple and pear industry focused on reaching consumers to promote
consumption in both traditional and creative ways. This included social media engagement, participation in Royal Shows,
partnerships with television networks and recipe websites, and presence at sporting events. For pears, there was also the
innovative promotion of hail-damaged fruit.
4
Apple
»»
Run for the Kids fun run. Aussie Apples was the principle
sponsor of this Melbourne-based event, held in March
2016. At the finish line, the 30,000 participants were offered
apples grown in the Yarra Valley and Gippsland regions,
supplied by Nine Mile Fresh. The Aussie Apples ‘Crunch’
mascot was also there to engage with the crowd and
help remind participants that apples are a perfect way to
replenish after exercise.
»»
The Orange Apple Festival. Aussie Apples helped sponsor
this New South Wales festival, which celebrates the Orange
region’s food and wine with a specific focus on apples,
and attracts a diverse group of local and interstate visitors.
As part of the event’s ‘Apple Ramble’, event visitors were
taken to see an apple packing shed in action, had a guided
tour of a local orchard, and were introduced to locally
grown apple varieties. There were also apple cooking
demonstrations to inspire consumers, and a schools-based
event during the festival taking the benefits of apples to
school children.
For apples, the marketing strategy had a number of different
prongs to keep Australian apples top of mind for families.
State-based events
State-based events allowed plenty of sampling opportunities
Over 130,000 direct consumer interactions were achieved at
the following events:
»»
The Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Aussie Apples exhibit
was set up in the Woolworths Food Farm – a favourite
destination for families that helps teach children where
food comes from, with a host of free activities. At the Aussie
Apples stand, new season Gala and Granny Smith apples
were on offer, along with apple slushies and apple ‘slinky
machines’ for purchase. The stand was also attended by
a local grower, who was there to share his knowledge
with visitors.
»»
The IGA Perth Royal Show. In the IGA Fresh Pavilion,
Aussie Apples had a prominent stand with messaging
showcasing the ‘apple story’, with visitors offered plenty
of samples.
»»
»»
»»
The EKKA in Brisbane. Both apples and pears were
featured at the EKKA, which is the largest event of its kind
in Queensland and draws about 400,000 visitors each year.
Aussie Apples’ presence within the show’s Woolworths
pavilion encouraged consumers to taste, trial and learn
about different apple varieties.
The Royal Adelaide Show. With over 500,000 attendees,
this show provided fantastic sampling opportunities. Over
11,000 apples were sold/given away at the stand, along
with 2100 cups of fruit juice and 100 ‘slinky machines’ for
spiralising apples, encouraging repeat consumption at
home. Over 14,100 Yellow Brick Road showbags distributed
at the event also contained either an apple or a pear.
The Royal Melbourne Show. Another great opportunity
for Aussie Apples to engage with the public, this event saw
over 1600 Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples spiralised
with the slinky machines, as well as the supply of apple
juice and whole fruit.
Apple and pear industry levy fund
5
Lunchbox Heroes promotion
Planned during the 2015/16 period and executed during school
holidays in the 2016/17 financial year, Australian apples were
promoted as ‘Lunchbox Heroes’ in seven major shopping
centres in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.
Over 57,200 samples of Pink Lady and Sundowner varieties
reached consumers, and information was provided to educate
families about the different apple varieties and flavours.
To drive sales volume, a gift-with-purchase promotion was
also run. Consumers had to present a receipt for the purchase
of apples within each shopping centre to receive an Aussie
Apples-branded lunch bag. There were 3000 bags redeemed.
Social media
The campaign results were outstanding with over 57,200
samples of apples handed out and 3000 lunch-bags redeemed
as part of the apple industry’s marketing activities, there was an
‘always on’ approach to social media during the 2015/16 period.
With a focus on Facebook (www.facebook.com/aussieapples),
engaging posts reached a total of 625,700 people, sharing
apple recipes, tips and lively lifestyle content.
Annual Report 2015/16
Marketing report
Marketing report
Pear
The 2015/16 marketing activity for pears had five distinct
elements to drive consumer awareness and sales.
Summer Baking Secrets
partnership
6
7
Lyndey Milan’s Summer Baking Secrets, a popular cooking
show on Channel 7, featured Australian Pears as part of a costeffective partnership. During the program, Lyndey baked a pear
and gingerbread loaf with pear crisps, among other recipes.
The pear recipes were also featured on Lyndey’s website,
while use of Lyndey’s large social media following generated
a lot of interest in the show.
My Foodbook sponsorship
My Foodbook (www.myfoodbook.com.au) is an online recipe
and cookbook destination where site visitors can create their
own personalised digital cookbooks using recipes from top
food brands, combined with their own ideas. My Foodbook
produces professional, engaging and long-lasting content
that is highly relevant to its members.
Australian Pears had a 12-month Recipe Partner subscription
with My Foodbook, which ran until September 29, 2016.
This subscription allowed inclusion in My Foodbook branded
content promotions that reach more than two million consumers
each month.
As well as placing pear recipes in the My Foodbook database,
this activity saw pears featured in two Seasonal Cookbooks
developed by My Foodbook – Mothers’ Day (April) and Winter
Warmers (June) – with recipe ideas and pear-related tips and
information. Pears were also included across 20 ‘Inspire Me
Daily’ e-newsletters, with strong activity in April 2016 providing
varietal information and usage suggestions to educate
consumers about the different types of pears and to coordinate
with new-season varieties. There were also three pear-focused
general newsletter features over the activity period, and
Australian Pears worked with other brands for additional value
– being featured in Devondale’s Bakers Bounty Cookbook in
April 2016 and more.
The Hailstorm Heroes pear
campaign
This innovative campaign kicked off on May 1, 2016 to support
pear growers who were affected by the hailstorms at the end
of 2015. It promoted the hail-affected fruit to consumers by
highlighting that, despite some superficial damage, the fruit
itself was perfectly good to eat.
The advertising campaign ran across radio, newspaper and
print, as well as Westfield Smart Screens, and there was a
broader public relations campaign.
Apple and pear industry levy fund
The radio campaign ran across the 2DAY FM, FOX FM and
Triple M stations in Sydney and Melbourne, including during
high-rating shows such as Hamish and Andy, Fifi and Dave,
Eddie McGuire and the Grill Team. At least seven 30-second
slots on each station were secured per day (along with some
bonus activity) to ensure high frequency and reach.
The quarter-page print ads ran twice in The Sydney Morning
Herald, Melbourne Age and Brisbane Courier Mail, with page
three secured in Sydney and Melbourne for no additional cost.
Westfield Smart Screens in New South Wales, Queensland
and Victoria were used, primarily located within proximity to
Woolworths stores.
Support for pear exports to Canada
Hort Innovation supported an export program involving the
west coast of Canada to deliver high-quality pears to importers
and retailers, maximising returns to Australian pear growers.
The program established a sales program for all three pear
varieties – Bartlett, Packham and Bosc – packed in marketsuitable packaging and retail-ready trays to meet retail
preferences, reduce handling of fruit, and reduce end costs.
The program was an example of an export program for early
season fruit (February to May), with the ability to move volume
straight off the tree and free up other markets and storage.
The additional benefit to growers and industry was the ability
to move fruit that may have been unsuitable to store long term,
including hail-damaged pears.
Social media
Social media for the Australian Pears brand focused on
providing consumers with pear inspiration, recipes, videos,
usage tips and other information, as well as fun posts to
foster positive sentiment and engagement with the fruit.
The Facebook page (www.facebook.com/australianpears)
had strong results over the period, with activity reaching well
over 100,000 consumers each month.
Annual Report 2015/16
R&D project list 2015/16
R&D project list 2015/16
R&D project list
2015/16
8
9
VC PROJECTS CARRIED OVER FROM
HORTICULTURE AUSTRALIA LIMITED
PROJECTS CONTRACTED
FINAL REPORTS ISSUED
AP14023
AP11014
Apple and pear technical manager
AP11016
Market development for the apple industry
AP11017
Future Orchards 3
AP12036 Bridging the knowledge-gap to breed high-value,
flavonoid-rich apples
AP15003
Improved tree and fruit nutrition for the Australian
apple industry
AP12034 Apple and Pear Industry Leadership Initiative
Review of the Biosecurity Plan for the apple and
pear industry
AP15015
Apple and pear industry leadership initiative
2016/17
AP12006
Precision fertigation for improved apple
orchard productivity
AP12038 Developing sustainability through extension of best
practice in the South Australian apple and pear industry
AP15016
APAL contribution to AP15015 – industry
leadership initiative
AP12013
Apple and pear industry communications
AP13027 Orchard action – co-production of knowledge to
Victorian pome fruit orchardists
AP12037
AP15014
A needs analysis for IPM R&D in the apple
and pear industry
Australian apple and pear industry
development initiative
AP13034 Apple and Pear Nuffield Scholarship 2014/2015
AP15010
Review of the health benefits and nutritional
properties of pear
AP13035
Apple and pear industry data collection
AP14025 Prevar 3: New pome fruit products
AP13036
Industry roundtable forum
MT12000 Development of mass-trapping methods for codling
moth females in disrupted orchards
AP14002
MRL risk analyses for major export markets
of the pome fruit industry
AP15008
lnfoPome 3
AP15013
Physiological, metabolic and molecular basis of
biennial bearing in apple – Australian component
of AP15002
AP15001
AP15002
AP15007
AP15009
AP15005
AP15004
Integrated pest and disease management – phase 2
PROJECTS IN PROGRESS
AP11006
Climate change program
AP11008
Market access and biosecurity program
AP12002
Profitable pears: maximising productivity and quality
of new pear varieties
AP14003
Research Speed Updating program
AP14701
Asian market access study tours 2014
MT14057
Statistical review and re-design of the National
Bee Pest Surveillance Program
MT12025 Continued facilitation of the development of the
Tasmanian apple, pear, cherry & stone fruit industries
MT12028 OHMA operational support 2012 to 2015*
MT12049 A model for industry planning and preparedness for
an incursion of Varroa mite
AP12029
Understanding apple and pear production systems
in a changing climate
AP14014
Productivity program for the Australian apple and
pear industry
AP14022
Independent program coordination for apple and
pear productivity program
AP14030
Consultancy services for Prevar project AP14025
Delivery of apple and pear Future Orchards
extension program
MT14013 Australia Fresh – core export market development
program 2014 – 2017
AF11002
Australian Pome Fruit Improvement Program
Limited 2011-2016
MT14027 Horticultural Market Access Manager 2014 – 2015
Australian apple and pear industry innovation and
adoption program
MT13059
SITplus: Developing and optimising production of a
male-only, temperature-sensitive-lethal strain of Qfly,
B. tryoni
Physiological, metabolic and molecular basis of
biennial bearing in apple
National apple and pear grower communication
program
Australian apple and pear industry market
development program
MT14052
Essential market access data packages
MT15032
Monitoring and evaluation framework for the
industry Strategic Investment Plan
Apple and pear industry levy fund
MT14006 Export – import market intelligence project
2014-2016
MT13002 Protecting pollination for the Australian horticultural
industry – stage 3
MT13061 Understanding the purchase behaviour of fresh
produce consumers
MT14055 Driving collaboration in Australian horticultural research
During the 2015/16 financial year, all Australian levy paying horticulture industries also contributed to across-industry projects addressing issues
that affect horticulture as a whole.
* As well as being funded by multiple levy programs, this project involved funding from Hort Innovation’s across-industry contribution stream
Annual Report 2015/16
R&D report
R&D report
R&D report
Take a closer look at some of Hort Innovation’s key projects for the apple and pear industry below. To keep up to date with
the latest information on new and ongoing R&D for the industry, visit www.horticulture.com.au/grower-focus/apple-and-pear
and keep an eye out for Hort Innovation’s quarterly Hortlink publication, also available from the website.
A needs analysis for IPM R&D in the
apple and pear industry (AP15014)
While ongoing in the 2015/16 period, this project has since
concluded in the 2016/17 financial year. Its purpose was to
provide a better understanding of the current use of integrated
pest management (IPM) within the apple and pear industry and
the efficacy of the current IPM Manual in guiding practice. A key
component of the review was to investigate whether IPM is an
enabler or impediment to market access.
»»
While awareness is high, adoption of true IPM by the
industry is low – while 86 per cent of growers surveyed
believed they were using IPM, further investigation
suggested that, by the technical definition, only 25 per
cent actually were.
»»
The most commonly practiced elements of IPM are
monitoring and mating disruption technology, but
typically it is the use of harsh chemicals disruptive to key
beneficials that undermine many IPM approaches.
»»
All the tools required to allow growers to use IPM
effectively are available and are being used by some,
but grower and advisor confidence in IPM could stand to
be increased across the industry. On-farm demonstrations
and updating of the IPM Manual are approaches that could
help achieve this.
»»
IPM can and should be used to help facilitate the
expansion of export trade, with IPM’s environmental
sustainability and reduced pesticide use having the
potential to add value.
Key findings of the project were that:
»»
There is high awareness of IPM, which is the effective
combination of chemical, cultural and biological methods
to control both insect pests and diseases in a ‘whole of
system’ approach.
Improved tree and fruit nutrition
for the Australian apple industry
(AP14023)
Research into optimising nitrogen-use efficiency has the
potential to boost productivity in apple growing. This project
builds on the project Precision fertigation for improved apple
orchard productivity (AP12006), which concluded at the
end of 2015. It will develop a multi-season nitrogen budget
underpinned by fertigation research. It will also produce a
user-friendly decision-support tool to guide grower optimisation
of irrigation and fertigation application.
Boosting orchard
productivity
and efficiency
was a priority
for R&D
Review of the Biosecurity Plan
for the apple and pear industry
(AP15003)
A needs analysis for IPM R&D in the
apple and pear industry (AP15014)
provided a better understanding of the
efficacy of the current IPM Manual in
guiding practice
Apple and pear industry levy fund
The identification, prioritisation and management of key
biosecurity risks – through review and implementation of
a biosecurity plan – are critical industry biosecurity
preparedness activities. Through biosecurity planning, this
project will help provide the apple and pear industry with the
framework for risk mitigation and for managing the impact of
potential pest incursions.
Annual Report 2015/16
11
R&D report
R&D report
The project was also responsible for redesigning Australian
Fruitgrower magazine, with a renewed focus on grower
profiles and a dedication to including more women to better
reflect the make-up of the industry. It was also responsible for
consolidating a number of communication channels into the
weekly Industry Juice e-newsletter.
Apple and pear industry leadership
initiative 2016/17 (AP15015)
This project aims to build leadership capacity and high-level
management skills among emerging leaders within the apple
and pear industry (both growers and industry supply chain
participants). It will support two scholarships to assist with the
cost of undertaking a Diploma of Agribusiness at Victoria’s
Marcus Oldham College in the 2017 academic year.
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The Apple and pear industry communications project
also supported grower roadshows and Pome Fruit State
Association meetings.
Taking over from the project at the end of 2015, National apple
and pear grower communication program (AP15007) continued
this work with key outputs continuing to be:
lnfoPome 3 (AP15008)
The Review of the health benefits
and nutritional properties of pear
(AP15010) will help the industry craft
messages to increase consumption
Review of the health benefits
and nutritional properties of pear
(AP15010)
Ongoing in the 2015/16 period and completed in the 2016/17
financial year, this project aimed to pull together into one place
the most interesting research results about the health benefits
of pears from around the world – giving the industry the ability
to craft health messages to further promote pear consumption.
As part of the project, human, animal and compositional studies
were scrutinised using National Health and Medical Research
Council criteria.
The review found the most unique feature of pears compared to
other commonly consumed fruit is their high content of digestive
regulating nutrients, namely fibre, sorbitol and fructose. It found
daily pear consumption may be an effective natural strategy for
ensuring normal bowel function across all life stages.
The review also found pears to be rich in phytonutrients, especially
phenolic acids, which have benefits for diabetes, cardiovascular
disease and obesity. Other studies drew links between pears and
weight loss, reduced risk of stroke and reduced risk of cancer of
the lung, bladder, mouth, pancreas and breast.
Two studies, one animal and one human, showed some
potential for Korean pear varieties to reduce blood alcohol
levels and hangover severity. Further work is required to
support this work in other populations using pears containing
high levels of arbutin, which in Australia may be the Nashi pear.
Apple and pear industry levy fund
InfoPome is the apple and pear industry’s stock tracking system.
Cool-store data is voluntarily provided by growers and collated
into national reports of the amounts of apples and pears in
cool-store by month. The reports are separated by variety and
state, allowing growers to see stock levels currently available
in storage. Supply of this data allows informed decisions about
sale prices and volumes to be sold.
Physiological, metabolic and
molecular basis of biennial
bearing in apple (AP15002) and
Physiological, metabolic and
molecular basis of biennial bearing
in apple – Australian component of
AP15002 (AP15013)
Biennial bearing is a major constraint to apple flowering and
production. While this cropping irregularity is usually managed by
chemical, mechanical or manual thinning methods, the underlying
physiological, metabolic and molecular plant processes are largely
unknown. Kicking off at the start of 2016, these two related projects
aim to increase understanding of the mechanisms involved in
controlling the flowering time of apple crops.
Integrated pest and disease
management – phase 2 (AP15001)
This project follows on from previous integrated pest and
disease management work, which resulted in approval to
import and release the Mastrus ridens wasp as a biocontrol
agent against codling moth in apples, supplementing
pheromone-mediated mating disruption of the moth.
This second phase will see the release of Mastrus ridens
into sites in Southern Queensland, New South Wales, South
Australia, Tasmania and Victoria for study of the wasp’s
dispersal, predation and hyper-parasitism.
»»
The now-bi-monthly Australian Fruitgrower magazine,
viewable online at www.apal.org.au/australian-fruitgrower
»»
The weekly Industry Juice e-newsletter (find archived
issues at www.apal.org.au/industry-juice)
»»
Management of the APAL website, www.apal.org.au.
The communications program also includes media strategy and
engagement, the creation of ‘hot topics’, social media and video.
Australian apple and pear industry
market development program
(AP15009)
Apple and pear industry communications
(AP12013) saw a re-design of Australian
Fruitgrower magazine
Apple and pear industry
communications (AP12013)
and National apple and pear
grower communication program
(AP15007)
Strong industry communication projects ensure apple and
pear growers are kept up-to-date with the latest industry news,
information and R&D updates. The ultimate goal of such programs
is to support the industry as a whole to advance and grow.
The project Apple and pear industry communications (AP12013) ran
from 2012 to 2015 and saw a radical overhaul of communications
processes to better inform the industry and represent the sector to
the world. It was responsible for launching a new industry website
(www.apal.org.au), embracing social media including Facebook,
Twitter and LinkedIn, and added 1800 searchable industry images
on image-sharing site Flickr for publicity purposes.
This project aims to increase domestic consumption of fresh and
value-added apple and pear products, and to raise exports from
1.6 to five per cent of the fresh apple crop (10,006 tonnes) and from
15 to 20 per cent of the fresh pear crop (12,213 tonnes) by 2020.
It will build upon an evolved and improved Australian Apple
and Pear Industry Market Development Program, incorporating
critical elements from a number of projects including:
»»
Market development for the apple industry (AP11016)
»»
Australian apple and pear industry development initiative
(AP12037)
»»
Apple and pear industry Asian export market development
(AP11023)
»»
Asian market access study tours 2014 (AP14701).
The new integrated program will deliver activities in both
domestic and export market development, including market
intelligence, technical knowledge and insights, new product
development and market access.
It will also build on research into the industry cost structure,
which has identified more economical and competitive options
to help Australian growers compete with low-cost competitors.
Annual Report 2015/16
13
R&D report
R&D report
Future Orchards 3 (AP11017)
This project was the third in the ongoing Future Orchards
series, which began in 2006.
14
The APAL stand at Asia Fruit Logistica,
as part of Market development for the
apple industry (AP11016)
Market development for the apple
industry (AP11016)
This project funded the position of a market development
manager (MDM) at APAL to support domestic marketing initiatives
and drive export development across the apple and pear industry.
The objective was to develop opportunities in overseas
markets and encourage growers to focus on strategies to
further increase apple exports.
Domestic market activities supported by the project included
the Aussie Apples and Rediscover the Pear campaigns as well
as the InfoPome data-collection project, which continues to
allow industry to make informed business decisions.
Voluntary quality guidelines were developed for growers and
packers to use in conjunction with the Aussie Apples brand.
These continue to help Australian growers, packers and supply
chain contributors deliver consistently high-quality apples and
pears at internationally competitive prices.
The guidelines covered 14 varieties and included photographs
and definitions.
The MDM also contributed to the production of two DVDs to
promote and educate domestic and international markets about
the quality of Australian fruit, the clean growing conditions,
sophistication of sorting, processing and packing technology
and the diverse uses, particularly in Asian-inspired recipes.
Profitable pears: maximising
productivity and quality of new pear
varieties (AP12002)
Underway since 2013, this project is investigating management
techniques and physiological mechanisms to increase the
profitability of growing pears. It uses an experimental orchard
(the Pear Field Laboratory) with new red-blush pear varieties
and is producing results that will impact on grower strategies
around orchard irrigation, rootstock and cultivar selection,
planting arrangement and tree training.
Apple and pear industry levy fund
Delivery of apple and pear Future
Orchards extension program
(AP15005)
Its aim was to assist the Australian apple and pear industry
meet the challenges of a domestic market open to import
competition and at the same time expand export markets.
This project is linked to Australian apple and pear industry
innovation and adoption program (AP15004) and is responsible
for the technical delivery of the Future Orchards program.
Orchard walks were the central activity of the project.
They provided an opportunity for attendees to ask questions
at practical, in-orchard demonstrations and for hosts to display
their best blocks, and offer insights into orchard management
and productivity.
Activities of the project include orchard walks, the Focus
Orchards network to demonstrate the adoption of best practice
and new technology, OrchardNet, Orchard Business Analysis
reporting and regional trials.
Each walk also added quality material to the Future Orchards
Library (www.apal.org.au/industry-info/future-orchards/futureorchards-library) which is now the most comprehensive set of
practical orchard advice in Australia.
As part of the project, Future Orchards project manager AgFirst
tailored its database OrchardNet to give growers specific
information upon which to base management decisions.
It can produce reports on tree age, productivity, variety mix,
profitability, fruit sizing and benchmark aspects of orchard
performance against a range of local, state or national orchards.
SITplus: Developing and optimising
production of a male-only,
temperature-sensitive-lethal strain
of Qfly, B. tryoni (MT13059)
The aim of this project is to develop a ‘temperature-sensitivelethal, male-selecting’ strain of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly). To put
simply, it will allow for male-only, sterile fruit flies to be bred in large
numbers. It is one of the key projects in the broader strategic coinvestment SITplus initiative that is tackling the issue of Qfly.
Questionnaires related to the project found 93 per cent of
growers surveyed had made changes or planned to do so as a
result of this Future Orchards project. Key measured outcomes
have been improved orchard performance and changing onfarm orchard practices.
The male flies are to ultimately be released in growing regions
of south-eastern Australian that are affected by Qfly. They will
come to outnumber the wild male population in these areas and
by mating with wild females – and limiting the opportunity for
wild males to do so – they are intended to lead to the collapse
of wild Qfly populations.
Australian apple and pear industry
innovation and adoption program
(AP15004)
Apple and pear technical manager
(AP11014)
This project is responsible for accelerating and expanding the
adoption of innovation and technology, and facilitating industry
capacity building, via the Future Orchards extension program.
This project included the funding of a technical manager to
drive technical development and improve competitiveness
in the apple and pear industry. It commenced in 2011 and
concluded at the end of March, 2016.
Future Orchards is an internationally renowned technology
transfer project. It includes orchard field walks, orchard
benchmarking, and orchard business analysis to deliver world’s
best practice and R&D linkages to apple and pear growers in
each of the eight major growing regions.
During this time the project identified R&D needs using
a network of growers, researchers, service providers,
government and international contacts and manage R&D
programs and the communication of their results to growers.
The project also aims to upskill the workforce, improve grower
crop and business risk mitigation strategies, and provide
grower services and technical support along the supply chain.
It also seeks to improve crop protection stewardship and
chemical access, provide biosecurity preparedness, improve
post-harvest productivity, and nurture technical preparedness
for export.
In partnership with AgFirst, the technical manager delivered
Future Orchards (AP11017), initiated the Research speed
updating program (AP14003) and organised three postharvest seminars in 2012, 2013 and 2016.
On behalf of APAL, during the course of the project the technical
manager gave expert advice to meetings and forums on
chemical regulation, biosecurity, climate change, exports, fruit fly,
nursery rootstocks, pears, and honeybees and pollination.
15
Australian apple and pear
representatives met with Chinese
officials as part of the Australian
apple and pear industry development
initiative (AP12037)
Australian apple and pear
industry development initiative
(AP12037)
This project was designed to give people working in the apple
and pear industry the knowledge and skills to make better
business decisions.
It aimed to help improve the practical application of R&D across
horticulture, agriculture and the supply chain.
This was done using a range of initiatives including on-farm
visits; regional grower meetings; APAL state workshops;
industry and agricultural conferences; grower representative
body forums; meetings with key decision makers and
government officials; delegations and roundtables; key industry
committees; desktop research; and provision of information and
facilitation services.
This industry development initiative focused on the delivery
of six broad outcomes: biosecurity preparedness; better
investment of R&D and targeted extension efforts to improve
the chances of uptake by growers; capacity to seize
opportunities and face challenges by building leadership
capability and identifying the required skills base; improved
business environment focusing on cost containment and
greater awareness of the growers’ regulatory and legislative
obligations; better data to help business make decision; and
greater access to export markets.
The technical manager also organised grower tours to North
America (in 2012) and Europe (in 2015) and acted as technical
editor of the Australian Fruitgrower magazine. This included
supplying articles for the magazine as well as for the industry
website, blogs, e-newsletters and social media posts.
Annual Report 2015/16
R&D report
Industry roundtable forum
(AP13036)
Running over three years, this project was responsible for
facilitating two annual industry roundtables that created the
opportunity for industry’s principal business owners and leading
decision makers to meet face-to-face.
16
This structure helped create an environment where ‘thinking’
and discussion could be focused at seizing opportunities,
developing high level strategies and designing actions to
address the industry’s most pressing opportunities or threats.
Furthermore, the format was adopted so geographically
dispersed members could gather to contribute their ideas and
co-operatively develop creative solutions.
The first roundtable was held in July 2014 at Shepparton,
Victoria, and had 24 participants.
The participants agreed on a number of priority issues
including improvements to InfoPome, development of a variety
information matrix, increasing exports and the provision of
Aussie Apple quality guidelines.
The second roundtable, in June 2015 on the Gold Coast,
Queensland, had 19 participants.
The focus there was on the need to bolster exports in the face
of declining domestic demand.
The roundtable events showed the industry that business leaders
can collaborate for the industry’s greater good, can build industry
confidence and provide guidance to smaller businesses.
R&D report
Understanding apple and pear
production systems in a changing
climate (AP12029)
Apple and pear industry data
collection (AP13035)
This voluntary data collection program has given the apple and
pear industry access to more accurate predictions of national
crop volume and related effects on market price and resources
such as labour and post-harvest facilities.
The aim of this project is ultimately to reduce the vulnerability
of the Australian apple and pear industries to changes in our
climate. Its focus is on identifying and understanding the potential
impacts of climate change on apple and pear growing, and
developing appropriate adaptive responses for the industry.
It is due for completion in 2017.
This project improved on previous collection methods, allowing
the industry to make better-informed strategic decisions that will
improve profitability.
Data was compiled in the Australian Pome Fruit Tree Registry,
an online system for managing industry tree statistics that can
be found at www.apal.org.au.
Monitoring and evaluation
framework for the industry
Strategic Investment Plan
(MT15032)
Among other things, this project helps support the monitoring
and evaluation of individual industry Strategic Investment Plans
(SIPs). SIPs are the roadmaps that help ensure levy investment
decisions align with individual industry priorities. They are used
to guide decision-making in levy spending, and represent a
balanced view of stakeholders in each industry.
The registry holds data on variety mix, rootstock, tree age and
tree density for 7250 hectares – covering around 60 per cent
of the total planted apple and pear area in Australia.
Precision fertigation for improved
apple orchard productivity
(AP12006)
This project aimed to develop fertigation guidelines for
growers, and ultimately increase industry productivity and
sustainability.
The research team investigated the effects of water stress/
surplus, nitrogen and potassium fertigation, application type,
soil type, leaching, and nitrogen deficiencies on apple trees.
Findings suggested total seasonal nitrogen supply should be
tailored to the soil type and desired tree nitrogen status of the
particular growing region. To maximise fruit quality outcomes,
the research suggested no more than 25 per cent of the
recommended total seasonal nitrogen should be applied
pre-harvest and no earlier than four weeks after bud burst.
It also suggested pre- and post-harvest nitrogen applications
should be split into multiple applications to minimise nutrient
leaching.
The project also found water-stressed orchards do not need
extra fertiliser compared to fully irrigated orchards and frequent
smaller applications of nitrogen may prevent leaching after
winter and spring rain.
Local growers and advisors took part in the design,
implementation and assessment of the project’s trials.
Results and outcomes were presented at annual state
conferences, Future Orchards events and other information
sessions such as Speed Updating sessions.
Other outputs included three magazine articles that were
published in Australian Fruitgrower, two posters distributed to
industry, a fact sheet, and four journal articles in international
peer-reviewed journals. Two honours programs were also
completed, adding substantial value to the research program.
Apple and pear industry levy fund
The project also produced the National Pome Fruit Crop Estimate
2015 including detailed predictions of production at state and
variety level (www.apal.org.au/2015-pome-fruit-crop-forecast).
Additionally, a national monitoring orchard network grower panel
was established to produce accurate national crop estimates.
MRL risk analyses for major export
markets of the pome fruit industry
(AP14002)
This project is responsible for collecting information about
requirements for pesticides and residue limits in key export
markets and disseminating it to growers and exporters.
This is done by maintaining and updating maximum residue limit
(MRL) tables for key export markets and providing them to APAL
for distribution.
Without this work, Australian apple and pear exports can be put
at risk by pesticide residues that do not comply with importer
standards. The project is providing biannual updates of MRLs
for nominated export markets and including additional markets
as required.
The project team is also monitoring World Trade Organization
sanitary and phytosanitary notifications and informing industry
representatives where proposed MRL changes have the
potential to affect exports, as well as providing industry feedback
to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR),
where official government responses are required.
Ongoing work includes liaison with the chemical industry,
importing government authorities, domestic regulators (DAWR
and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority) and peak industry bodies.
Annual Report 2015/16
17
R&D report
18
R&D report
Research Speed Updating program
(AP14003)
Asian market access study tours
2014 (AP14701)
This program was an intensive single-day seminar that
presented to growers and other industry stakeholders relevant
R&D activities from around Australia in bite-sized format.
With almost 1.4 billion potential customers, China is a highpotential export market for Australian apples and pears.
To date, only Tasmanian apple suppliers have access to this
large and growing market.
The day comprised 10-minute presentations from leading
scientists with opportunity for questions, interaction and
feedback. It was held in line with the National Horticultural
Convention (APAL/AusVeg conference) on the Gold Coast on
June 25, 2015.
It gave growers, agronomists and supply chain decision-makers
information about the goals, problems, methodology and
progress of research being funded by the industry levy.
For industry members who could not attend, a dedicated
webpage (www.apal.org.au/research-development-extension/
projects/research-reviews) continues to provide a link to
each presentation.
Development of mass-trapping
methods for codling moth females
in disrupted orchards (MT12000)
This project developed and tested an effective mass-trapping
method to assist in the control of codling moth populations in
Australian pome fruit orchards. This non-insecticidal trapping
option used pheromones and host plant volatiles to develop
an appealing lure for attracting adult codling moths. Trapping
with the most appealing lure significantly reduced the damage
attributed to codling moth in orchard trials to 0.083 per
cent. This was in line with the project’s forecast outcome of
less than 0.1 per cent crop damage. A project proposal for
commercialisation of non-insecticidal control measures is being
developed and will be discussed with Hort Innovation and
potential commercial partners.
Continued facilitation of the
development of the Tasmanian
apple, pear, cherry & stone fruit
industries (MT12025)
This project aimed to maintain and improve communication
with Tasmanian apple, pear, cherry and stone fruit growers
and other industry stakeholders with a view to facilitating
growth, particularly in exports. The project provided key
industry development services to growers to facilitate export
development, market access and international competitiveness.
The Fruit Growers Tasmania (FGT) project officer employed
as part of this project was the first point of contact for growers
and packhouses with export-related enquiries and initiated
an ‘export information, compliance and training day’ for more
than 70 growers and industry stakeholders in August 2015.
The project officer was the industry liaison point between
growers, the Department of Agriculture (now the Department of
Agriculture and Water Resources) and Biosecurity Tasmania.
Australian Fruitgrower magazine
reported on the success of the
Research speed updating program
(AP14003)
Apple and pear industry levy fund
This project also undertook a skills needs analysis for the
Tasmanian fruit industry as part of an Agrifood Skills Australia
survey. This assisted industry in identifying skills gaps that could
restrict the growth of the sector. As a direct result, FGT began
working with tertiary providers to ensure production horticulture
training programs were again available, alongside other
industry-relevant upskilling and capacity building programs.
This project enabled APAL representatives to attend trade
events and meetings with Chinese government officials to
try to place mainland Australian produce onto shelves in the
world’s most populous nation.
The missions to China aimed to progress the mainland
Australian apple access request and seek support for a new
request for access for Australian pears. APAL delegates made
connections and strengthened existing relationships with
buyers, the supply chain and market knowledge experts.
In May 2015, Chinese officials said they had commenced the
information gathering stage of the import risk assessment for
Australian mainland apples.
The study tours gave APAL a better ability to navigate the
assessment by understanding the process, the key decisionmakers and key influencing entities.
A signed agreement between the Australian horticulture
industries and the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine
Association (CIQA) provided the framework for APAL to pursue
an agreement with CIQA to advance collaboration with the
Chinese apple and pear industry.
The tours also provided a better understanding of the
respective roles of Fruit and Vegetable Fair Beijing (a market
access event) and Asia Fruit Logistica (a market development
event), which will enable better allocation of resources.
A model for industry planning and
preparedness for an incursion of
Varroa mite (MT12049)
This project tested the preparedness of Australia’s pollinationdependent industries for Varroa mite through a national review
and simulation workshop.
Varroa mite is an external parasitic mite that, without
intervention including treatment programs and ongoing
management, has the ability to kill entire honey bee colonies in
two to three years. Australia is the last major honey-producing
country in the world to not have Varroa.
This project identified the potential and significant impact the
detection of Varroa mite would have on pollination-dependent
crop producers.
It also assessed and highlighted improvements to biosecurity
planning and preparedness that would allow growers,
industry stakeholders and governments to identify gaps and
opportunities, and ensure continued growth and stability in the
event of Varroa mite in Australia.
Full details of all completed research can be found in
project final reports, which are available to order at
www.horticulture.com.au/about/resources-publicationsfinal-reports (final reports are free to Australian horticulture
levy payers, registered Hort Innovation members and
industry representative bodies).
Statistical review and re-design of
the National Bee Pest Surveillance
Program (MT14057)
This project reviewed the effectiveness and efficiency of the
National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (NBPSP) to identify
opportunities for improvement in the early detection of high
priority pests to safeguard bee health and pollination services
in Australia.
Australia’s honey bee industry and pollination-reliant industries
maintain a production advantage over many other countries, as
Australia is currently free of many bee pests and pest bees that
cause significant issues overseas.
This project has proposed and costed a re-design of the
NBPSP that includes enhancing surveillance activities (including
surveillance for Asian honey bees, Asian hornets and exotic
viruses that are considered high-priority biosecurity threats),
establishing an array of sentinel hives across Australian ports,
and more to maintain a strong and nationally appropriate
NBPSP for the future.
Annual Report 2015/16
19
Financial summary
Minor use permits
Financial summary
Minor use permits
Financial operating statement 2015/16
Pesticides are a valuable tool for the apple and pear industry. While the use of pesticides is being modified through the increasing
uptake of integrated pest management, there is still a need for the strategic use of specific pesticides.
Pesticide companies submit use patterns for registration to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
and the apple and pear industry is generally provided with significant registrations because of its major crop status. Minor use
permits are required in the apple and pear industry where the market size is considered too small and therefore not considered
large enough to generate adequate commercial returns for the research and development investment by the pesticide companies.
20
APPLE
MARKETING ($)
PEAR
MARKETING ($)
R&D ($)
TOTAL ($)
2015/16
July – June
2015/16
July – June
2015/15
July – June
2015/16
July – June
Opening balance
873,370
536,689
1,838,903
3,248,962
Levies from growers (net of collection costs)
2,253,781
916,664
1,896,396
-
-
Other income
122,569
Total income
Commonwealth funds
Project funding
Consultation with and advice from growers
Service delivery
Total matched expenditure
Levy contribution to across industry activity
Closing balance
Levy collection costs
Additional expenditure through VC
Apple and pear industry levy fund
Below is a list of all current minor use permits for the apple and pear industry, as of November 28, 2016.
Permit ID
Permit description (pesticide/crop/pest)
Date issued Expiry date Permit holder
PER12590 v3* Delegate (spinetoram) / Pomefruit & Stonefruit / Fruit fly (Suppression only)
06-Oct-11
31-May-19
Growcom
5,066,841
PER12864 v2* Polyram (metiram) / Apple varieties / Alternaria
18-Apr-13
30-Jun-21
Growcom
2,142,200
2,142,200
PER14562
Thiacloprid (Calypso) / Pome Fruit and Stone Fruit / Mediterranean Fruit Fly
(WA only)
13-Dec-13
30-Nov-18
Growcom
26,648
50,826
200,043
PER13859
Dimethoate / Orchard cleanup – fruit fly host crops following harvest / Fruit Fly
9-Feb-15
31-Jul-24
Growcom
2,376,350
943,312
4,089,422
7,409,084
488,722
382,643
4,068,208
4,939,573
5,409
4,029
46,072
55,510
64,237
50,267
492,896
607,400
558,368
436,939
4,607,176
5,602,483
-
-
95,747
95,747
2,691,352
1,043,062
1,225,402
4,959,816
33,466
37,150
26,311
96,927
-
-
113,063
* During the 2015/16 financial year, renewals for these flagged permits were prepared and submitted to the APVMA.
All efforts have been made to provide the most current, complete and accurate information on these permits, however it’s recommended that
you confirm all details on the APVMA website, portal.apvma.gov.au/permits. Details of the conditions of use associated with these permits can
also be found on the APVMA site.
Minor use R&D projects active in the 2015/16 period
AP11035
Minor use permits for the apple and pear industry
113,063
Annual Report 2015/16
21
Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
ACN 602 100 149
Level 8, 1 Chifley Square
Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone 02 9295 2300
Fax 02 8295 2399
www.horticulture.com.au