Pomewest Maturity Standards
“When you buy A WA apple it will be a great apple”
The quality program is an initiative of the Agricultural Produce Commission’s (APC) Apple and Pear Committee, Pomewest as part of ongoing strategic commitment to lift the quality of WA apples to market through innovation and quality standards. Funded through the growers fee for service funding this industry program is supported by apple growers.
| Apple variety | Firmness (kgf) | Starch Index on 6 point scale | Total soluble solids (*Brix) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gala | 6.5 | 3 | 11.8 |
| Granny Smith | 6.5 | 3 | 11 |
| Pink Lady | 6.5 | 3 | 13 |
Proposed Strategy
Pomewest‘s proposed strategy to achieve the goal of improved quality and consumer confidence is made up of a number of steps. These are:
Standards
Pomewest, in consultation with WA apple growers, have identified achievable minimum standards to ensure good eating quality apples. Standards have been identified for apples that have come straight from the tree for:
Gala,
Granny Smith and
Pink LadyTM.
Pomewest is asking that all growers support these standards by agreeing and adhering to the proposed standards.
The Maturity Testing Guide
This publication, is a step by step guide which has been developed to assist growers to engage in their own testing for quality. It will include provision for recording, advice about equipment required and procedures including the use of starch pattern index charts. In addition, Pomewest are looking at supplementing the program by providing free testing and ongoing advice so that all growers can achieve these standards.
Testing Programs
The random testing of apples at Canning Vale Markets – conducted by Total Quality Assurance Systems (TQAS) will continue. New season fruit will be checked against the standards for firmness, starch and sugar. The testing results will also continue be communicated to each party to assist the improvement of self-managed maturity testing practices.
Workshops
Workshops will be held in each growing region at the start of the season, with resources and expertise provided to assist growers to test their own fruit. Pomewest will endeavour to include market agents and some retailers in the discussion so that the whole supply chain will be aware and supportive of the project’s aspirations.
Promotion
Media and promotional activities will be sought to endorse the message that WA growers are committed to providing quality fruit under the philosophy of ‘when you buy WA apples you buy the best quality’.