New Zealand Study Tour January 2018
For the first time Pomewest is supported 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.