For the first time Pomewest is supporting a grower study tour to New Zealand. Susie Murphy White our project manager, has recognised the value of the association with APAL’s Future Orchards and believes there is much to gain by building on those relationships.
Utilising the linkages with the AgFirst NZ consultants, a study tour has been organised for a small group of WA growers (10 – 20) to visit orchards in the Hawkes Bay and Nelson Pome fruit growing regions. Also in the program is a visit to the Prevar Research Centre in Hawkes Bay for growers to see the selection process involved in the development of new varieties such as Jazz and Smitten.
Of value to our growers is the technology transfer process in witnessing growing systems, varieties, technology including mechanical assistance and to learn about the export process. As this region is geared towards export, which the WA Pome fruit industry can learn from the NZ export experience.
NZ Study Tour Presentation
Final Report NZ Study Tour
Commencing in 2011 with FFS funding this project has been created to empower WA growers to be price setters and manage the development and adoption of new varieties from the Australian National Apple Breeding Program. This will improve grower profitability and ongoing future investment for WA industry via royalty revenue streaming.
Fruit West Cooperative Website
The Committee, through Fee for Service, has continued to fund the Fruit West Co-operative (FWCL), appointed managers of the commercialisation of the variety and BRAVO™ apple, and ensured the success of the fruit from first year of production. After 20 years in the making, the well anticipated fruit from the ANABP 01 variety was named in 2016, trademarked as BRAVO™ branded apple and launched. Packing and marketing services were also engaged, efforts surrounding developing high quality specifications ensured the fruit would sit as a premium line in the retail market.
Funding also supported the launch of BRAVO™ with a Ministerial name launch at Parliament House along with wide spread and prolonged media coverage and ongoing retail launches in premium outlets.
The major outcomes have created an excellent consumer reaction to the apple, ensured high grower returns for the pioneer growers and in turn created consumer and grower demand. Other outcomes include the development of new plantings and tree production along with engaging with growers Australia wide building confidence in the variety. Ongoing consultation with Western Australian Agriculture Authority has continued to improve agreements and practises along the way, including several research and development projects measuring maturity along with storage research.
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Dormancy breaker trial expands on from the work undertaken in the HIA funded AP12029 ‘Understanding apple and pear production systems in a changing climate’ in 2015/16 season Dormancy Breaking Sprays on Galaxy and ANABP 01. This trial included four cultivars to be trialled at multiple timings to test the effect of dormancy breaking sprays (3 variables) and how timing of application effects flowering. It would enable the analysis of polliniser cultivars to ensure that suitable polliniser apple trees would be flowering at the correct times when using dormancy breakers.
Dormancy Breaker Results
Dormancy Breaker in low Chill Years Aug 17
Winter Chill 2018