Meet the 2020 Awards for Excellence recipients - Apple & Pear Australia Ltd (APAL)
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Australian Fruitgrower
Spring 2020 • Vol 14 • Issue 3
Data: understanding consumers’
hearts and minds
Thinners and growth regulators
Old apple ground treatments
Meet the 2020
Awards for Excellence
recipients
CONTENTS
A PA L N E W S D A T A A N D A N A LY S I S
CEO Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04
Advocacy update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
What future for Future Orchards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
Labour update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07
29
F E AT U R E NEW: Understanding consumers’
hearts and minds
08 Apple, pear & banana – percentage of Australian buying households
80.0%
60.0%
40.0%
APAL Awards for
20.0%
0.0%
Excellence
12 Aug 07 Oct 02 Dec 27 Jan 24 Mar 19 May 14 Jul 08 Sep 03 Nov 29 Dec 23 Feb 19 Apr 14 Jun 09 Aug
2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020 2020
Apples – % of buying households Pears – % of buying households Bananas – % of buying households
RAISING THE BAR:
R&D-LED INSIGHTS INTO SMARTER GROWTH
Grower of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08
Lifetime Achievement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 15
Women in Horticulture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
43
Marketer of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Research and Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Young Grower of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
S TAT E R O U N D U P
Understanding chemical
State roundups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 thinners and growth
regulators
BRAND MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING
Pear with personality shows plenty of promise . . . . . . . .33 Apple replant disease: evaluating IPM methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Eat on the bright side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Apple replant disease: Trial shows good growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
IPDM withstands pests, diseases and natural disasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
FUTURE BUSINESS
Smarter pear orchards/PIPS3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Collective data drives gains by comparison . . . . . . . . . . 36 Pollination: looking after volunteers in the orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Branch configuration in a narrow 2D fruiting wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
BIOSECURITY International apple and pear research update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Biosecurity – what if it happened to you? . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Quiz and crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGN COPYRIGHT
Apple and Pear Australia Alison Barber Vale Graphics All material in Australian Fruitgrower is
copyright. NO material can be reproduced
Limited (APAL) is a not- E abarber@apal.org.au E angie@valegraphics.com.au in whole or in part without the permission
for-profit organisation that of the publisher. While every effort is made
ADVERTISING FRONT COVER to ensure the accuracy of contents, APAL
supports and provides services accepts no liability for the information.
to Australia’s commercial apple The publisher accepts no Howard Hansen, Grower of the
and pear growers. responsibility for the contents Year (see page 6) Photo: Fred &
DISCLAIMER
Australian Fruitgrower Suite G01, 128 Jolimont Road, of advertisements. All Hannah Photography
East Melbourne VIC 3002 advertisements are accepted Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
in good faith and the liability BOOKING DEADLINES (Hort Innovation) and APAL make no
T (03) 9329 3511 representations and expressly disclaim
F (03) 9329 3522 of advertising content is the all warranties (to the extent permitted by
Summer 2020
apal.org.au responsibility of the advertiser. law) about the accuracy, completeness,
Ad bookings – 16 Oct 2020 or currency of information in Australian
Marc Wilson – Gypsy Media Editorial copy – 16 Oct 2020 Fruitgrower. Reliance on any information
provided by Hort Innovation and APAL is
M 0419 107 143 entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation
Autumn 2021
E apal@gypsymedia.com.au and APAL are not responsible for, and will
Ad bookings – 15 Jan 2021 not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim,
Editorial copy – 15 Oct 2021 expense, cost (including legal costs) or
other liability arising in any way, including
from any Hort Innovation, APAL or other
person’s negligence or otherwise from your
Wherever you see this logo, the initiative is part of the Hort Innovation use or non-use of Australian Fruitgrower, or
Apple and Pear Fund. Like this publication itself, it has been funded from reliance on information contained in
by Hort Innovation using the apple and pear levy and, in the case the material or that Hort Innovation or APAL
provide to you by any other means.
of R&D, with contributions from the Australian Government. Some
projects also involve funding from additional sources. ISSN 1447-5618
A PA L.O R G.A U AFG SPRING 2020 | 3
CEO REPORT
Labour challenges loom large
Something to Unfortunately, COVID-19 brings very little good news.
It continues to cast a long shadow for an industry
celebrate that is dispersed across the nation and critically
dependent on seasonal labour. The one ray of 20%
P H I L I P T U R N B U L L – A PA L C E O sunshine has been the continuing commitment by The rise in value of sales and
governments at all levels, the agri-political bodies prices during COVID-19
and the many horticulture industries to work (Source Nielsen Homescan data
– see page 29).
cooperatively and quickly to bring certainty where
we can.
Our seasonal labour challenge can be described
in four themes – to minimise labour leakage by $567m
moving quickly to stem the departure of existing The wholesale value of
labour sources; to maximise the safe movement of apples 2018-19
labour into Australia and between growing regions
$121m
via programs such as the Seasonal Worker
Programme; to manage the uncontrolled movement
of labour that presents unreasonable risks to local
The wholesale value of
communities, regions and supply chains by improving
pears 2018-19
cooperation within and across horticulture industries; (Source Australian Horticulture Statistics
In any ‘normal’ year the seasonal outlook would give and finally, as someone described it, ‘pulling out all Handbook 2018–19.)
us reason to be cautiously optimistic. Most of our the stops to attract local labour’ – particularly in a
growing regions are reporting positive seasonal year when plans for a gap year and end of year
outlooks with rainfall and irrigation resources ahead celebrations are uncertain. Our Advocacy Update
of previous years, current season prices are holding on page 5 has further details of our efforts to date.
firm (albeit on reduced volumes from some regions) Again, I would like to acknowledge the
cooperation of the state associations who are
450
and our supply chains are continuing to meet
consumer demand for apples and pears across generously working with us to ensure timely updates
the nation. and data is available to decision makers.
In this largest-ever edition of our AFG Participants in the Future
magazine we also showcase the many recipients New directions emerge Orchards® winter virtual
orchard walks and webinars.
of the 2020 APAL Awards for Excellence. The 2020 If there is one upside to 2020 it is the game-changing
4.3/5
recipients come from all areas of our industry and impact of travel restrictions on how we share
are a wonderful reflection on the industry’s progress, knowledge and ideas. Our webinars and virtual
innovation and its people. orchard walks attracted almost 500 participants
In addition to recognising the tremendous with many of us taking the opportunity to have a Satisfaction rating.
contribution by each and every award recipient, peek into another state’s orchards.
I would also like to acknowledge the state We have received terrific ideas and feedback
association representatives who are an integral from members on how the online delivery options
part of the awards process and who collectively can be tailored to suit future orchard and business
made recommendations to the APAL board. This needs – from training courses to international study
is yet another example of the partnership we tours. These present some incredibly exciting new
share with our state associations and the value directions for our flagship extension program Future
they bring to the betterment of our industry at a Orchards as well as our rapidly evolving Future
national level. Business program, and further reinforce the
The Awards would usually be celebrated importance of these programs being designed
at our annual Industry Forum but COVID-19 has and delivered for growers and by growers. AFG
prevented us coming together to recognise these
achievements. Instead we are already looking forward
to the 2021 celebrations where we will recognise
and celebrate both 2020 and 2021 recipients.
The outlook for our industry is a welcome
change from fires, pests, hail, and drought – our more
familiar seasonal concerns. We recognise that for The awards ... are a wonderful reflection
many of our growers the rebuilding and recovery will
take years and we can only hope positive seasonal
on the industry’s progress, innovation
conditions along with the funding commitments and its people.
made by State and Federal Governments are making
the journey a little easier.
4 | AFG SPRING 2020 A PA L.O R G.A U
A DV O C A C Y U P DAT E
Federal governments have responded to calls for
industry support.
Labour is number Batlow and Bilpin growers have reported initial
NSW Government funding has been paid. Growers
one priority are anticipating the release of Federal Government
funding program guidelines shortly.
Overall, NSW growers are eligible for up to
J E R E M Y G R I F F I T H – A PA L
$240,000 per hectare to replace damaged orchards,
while South Australian growers will be able to
COVID-19, bushfires and Jeremy Griffith receive up to $120,000 per hectare.
Head of Government
drought have dominated 2020 Relations & Advocacy, APAL US Apples next steps
with each requiring significant Growers will be aware the US government in
2018 requested access to the Australian market
government involvement for apples grown in the North West region of the US.
The Australian government is now required to
prepare an Import Risk Assessment to understand
the key biosecurity risks to Australia. Under its trade
agreements, Australia cannot object for trade or
Labour shortages commercial reasons. This report is expected to be
The major challenge leading into summer is the later in the year for comment.
potential lack of seasonal labour with dwindling APAL has engaged a biosecurity expert and
numbers of backpackers and seasonal workers in established an Expert Advisory Group to oversee
the country and continuing national and international the process and to ensure the biosecurity risks are
travel restrictions. fully addressed to protect the Australia industry.
APAL is working closely with the entire APAL’s pre-submission made clear that any
agriculture sector and governments to address consideration given by government into allowing
this issue – it is the number one priority for many access must be backed by extremely robust
sectors. APAL has modelled the monthly peak systems. If these cannot be achieved access
labour requirements across the regions to assist in should not be given.
lobbying. All options are being looked at, including APAL is also continuing to seek assurances
creating a Pacific Islands bubble to bring in seasonal from the major retailers regarding ‘Australia first’
workers, as well as a program to attract and enable sourcing policies.
backpackers to travel to Australia. The biggest
challenges, however, remain the on-going travel Qld freight subsidy
restrictions and the cost of quarantine. Despite recent rain, the Stanthorpe region is still in
The suspension of the current overtime severe drought and growers are facing another year
restrictions under the Horticulture Award has also of trucking in water. This can cost up to $17,000
been flagged. Without union support, the process a megalitre.
will be challenging, and broader industry support is APAL was worked with local growers to
currently being assessed. develop a policy and lobbying position that calls for
In the interim, it is recommended that growers a 50 per cent trucking subsidy. APAL continues to
plan early to secure labour during peak periods. lobby the Queensland government.
APAL also encourages growers to include
development of a COVID-19 Safe Plan in their
planning. Several states have mandated the need
National Netting Program
for plans (Qld, and Victoria – businesses with five The Federal Government has confirmed that
or more employees). An outbreak of COVID-19 in a $25.9m will be allocated to the National Netting
pack-house or orchard will have a significant impact Program. While this is a positive outcome for the
upon operations. An effective plan will assist you industry, APAL has raised concerns over the
and government agencies to quickly deal with the allocation across the country, with some regions
issue and minimise the impact on your business. receiving a larger slice of the pool.
APAL’s website currently has several reference Guidelines have been issued for South
documents to assist growers. Australia and growers are submitting proposals.
The Federal Minister for Agriculture has indicated
Bushfire grants arrive that other state-based guidelines will be released
shortly. It should be noted the rollout has been
APAL estimated that the impact of the summer delayed due to both the bushfires and COVID-19. AFG
bushfires was up to $90m, leaving many regions
and growers devasted. Pleasingly, the NSW and
A PA L.O R G.A U AFG SPRING 2020 | 5
A PA L N E W S
and technology ready and waiting to be applied in
Australian orchards.
What future for With AgFirst’s and local growers’ expertise
and appetite for innovation, coupled with APAL’s
Future Orchards? extensive on the ground international presence,
Future Orchards has tapped into international
J U S T I N S M I T H – A PA L
resources – delivering results and maximising the
‘bang for buck’ from apple and pear growers’ levies.
Future Orchards success is evidenced by
Over the past 15 years, growers, enviable participation levels, consistently positive
feedback and a genuine sense of industry ownership.
APAL and NZ ag consultancy This has translated into real on-farm gains. Australian
AgFirst have worked together apple production per hectare, as measured in the
annual Orchard Business Analysis – undertaken
to build Future Orchards® since 2008 as part of the Future Orchards program
–has increased from 35 tonnes per hectare in 2008
into an industry extension to 45t/ha currently1.
program that is both envied
Designed for and by growers
and valued. Future Orchards’ content and delivery is continuously
informed by growers, state associations and APAL’s
With the grower-levy funding contribution scheduled grower-elected Board, and supported by technical
to end in early 2021, Hort Innovation is reviewing experts from the apple and pear industry.
the program as well as alternative options for the For more than 12 months APAL and AgFirst
future delivery of extension services to the apple have been actively seeking grower feedback to
and pear industry. guide the design and priorities for the next iteration
APAL and AgFirst are fully committed to of Future Orchards. Drawing on grower surveys,
continuing to support, evolve and deliver the Future conversations with participants and numerous
Orchards program and are eagerly awaiting the formal and informal feedback loops, APAL and
outcomes of Hort Innovation’s review. AgFirst have distilled a wealth of grower feedback
1 to identify key strengths that need to continue along
Australian Pome Fruit
Industry Orchard Business with changes that will enhance the focus and
Prioritising producers Analysis Report 2018 Actual
Future Orchards began as a vehicle for sharing and 2019 Forecast (AgFirst, delivery for today’s growers.
apple and pear grower-levy funded research and November 2019). APAL and AgFirst have outlined an extension
development outcomes. With each iteration of the program that spends more time in the growing
program, this role continues but is supplemented regions and specifically in orchards providing a
by cutting edge local and international R&D and mix of existing and new learning and extension
expertise. This reflects a deliberate decision to opportunities – from upskilling our future generations
prioritise growers in the design and delivery of Future Orchards walk to developing capabilities along a supply chain that
Future Orchards. Shepparton, March 2017. demands ever greater biosecurity, traceability and
This approach also recognises that there is a business compliance. And we would like to think
wealth of global knowledge, expertise, new thinking state associations would be partners in this process.
Efficiency at the expense of value?
Broadening the range of levy-paying horticulture
industries serviced by the Future Orchards program
– for example including stone fruit and cherries– is
one option Hort Innovation is actively considering.
There is a genuine concern that aggregating
more commodities into one extension program
jeopardises the relevance and quality of content
to all growers and levy payers. And as we know,
changes that dilute content and relevance may
reduce costs but rarely build value.
The future
Over coming months, we can expect more ideas
to be explored by Hort Innovation and its SIAP
members. APAL hopes to see some clarity from
Hort Innovation before Christmas and APAL will
continue its planning for 2021. AFG
6 | AFG SPRING 2020 A PA L.O R G.A U
LABOUR
minimising the risk and impact of COVID-19 on
your business. If there is an incident involving your
Identify what you can business or labour connected with your business,
your plan will help you quickly meet the demands
control and plan early from agencies and contract tracers.
Know your labour requirements
J U S T I N S M I T H – A PA L
Having a clear understanding of the level and timing
of your seasonal labour needs is critical and this year
As governments around the world and across it needs to factor in transport, accommodation,
Australia continue to adjust their COVID-19 policy separation of crews and similar efforts that can
settings it is obvious that we are still a long way limit the risk of COVID-19 and keep your crews safe.
from returning to pre-COVID activity. It is a daunting With a clear picture you can also explore ideas
and frustrating challenge with so many possible such as local labour ‘bubbles’ and the safe sharing
scenarios – none of them easy. of workforce across multiple enterprises, regions
It’s for this reason that APAL in partnership and even states.
with AgFirst is delivering a spring orchard walks Your labour planning data is vital to Government
series that is focussed on labour and the actions at all levels as they continue to work with industry to
we can take to attract, retain and ensure the safety understand requirements and determine safe options.
of our seasonal workforce. Presentations will be
provided online following each session. Act early, adjust and adapt
With so much outside our immediate control, The earlier we start, the more time we have to find
the prevailing advice is to identify what we can options. Some of these options may require actions
control and to take action. by government, by industry or even between growers
and this may take time to work through. We need to
COVIDSafe Plan be prepared to adapt and adjust our plans as we
APAL recommends you develop a COVIDSafe Plan work through the year.
– guides to how to prepare one are available on One thing that is certain is that we will need to
Government websites (and via links from APAL’s explore all and every option to get us through a very
COVID-19 web page). A COVIDSafe plan is about challenging year. AFG
A PA L.O R G.A U AFG SPRING 2020 | 7
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
2020 APAL Awards
for Excellence
Passion and drive in abundance are qualities shared by all of the
2020 APAL Awards for Excellence recipients. Through the awards
we celebrate excellence across fields from growing to extension and
marketing and also significant contributions to the broader industry
that are both inspirational and of lasting impact.
Grower of the Year Howard
Hansen and to his rear the new
CA cold storage facility under
construction which will cater
for production growth.
Photo: Fred & Hannah.
8 | AFG SPRING 2020 A PA L.O R G.A U
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
“We reduced the tree spacing to 1.5m and
then to 1m.”
Grower of the Year It is important to examine the early stages
of Howard’s time at Hansen Orchards, because it
shows the trust in available research and willingness
Howard Hansen to experiment that has characterised his work
through to today.
A willingness to innovate and stay ahead of
the curve are certainly common traits in successful
Staying ahead of the curve: apple and pear growers, and Howard has both of
these in spades.
the Howard Hansen approach As well as being a pioneer of high-density
When Howard Hansen saw a 21kg carton of Red plantings and club varieties in Australia, he has also
Delicious return $8 while working in New Zealand led research and development by hosting Future
in 1993, he knew the writing was on the wall for his Orchard trials on his own blocks, and testing the
own family’s predominantly Red Delicious orchard latest in production science and technology to
in Huon Valley, Tasmania. improve fruit quality, harvest quantity, and
Upon returning to the family farm and production efficiency.
beginning work full-time a year later he set about
diversifying the orchard with new varieties, new Continuing to innovate
growing systems and new strategies. And he hasn’t
The commitment to making changes in the mid-
stopped doing that for the past 25 years.
1990s worked and, together with father Carl and
It’s how Howard, the 2020 APAL Grower of
the rest of the Hansen Orchards team, Howard
the Year, seems to stay ahead of the curve.
has continued to develop new methods based
There’s no one secret to the family’s success,
on research, and continued to reap the benefits.
rather a broad and methodical approach of trusting
Most recently, progressively higher-density
research, embracing technology and new varieties
plantings have been combined with a multi-leader
– in other words, a lot of eggs in a lot of baskets.
V-trellis system, with those same old aims from 25
“There’s been no one silver bullet where things
years ago of being labour efficient and maximising
began to work for us, just lots of stuff that has made
light interception.
incremental improvements over time,” acknowledges
“The last 25 years our apples have been a
the fourth-generation grower.
slender spindle, and historically we were about
“I started here at the end of 94, and at that
2800–3100 trees a hectare,” he explains.
time our business was 70 per cent Red Delicious,
“The last four or five years we’ve come a lot
like most others in Tasmania, with the majority
closer, probably about 3571 per hectare. In the last
being exported to South-East Asia and India.
two winters most of our plantings have gone on a
“I spent 1993 working in Hawkes Bay, New
multi-leader V.
Zealand, and saw growers receiving as little as $8
“We’ve tried to go towards a tree that doesn’t
per carton for 21kg cartons of Red Delicious from
have any branches but has four leaders, two up
the New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board.
each side of a V.
“I thought as soon as we are only getting $8
“We think that’ll improve our light interception
a carton for Red Delicious, we are not going to be
over the course of a season and make for a far
in business for very long.
simpler canopy, but it will also give us the potential
“We needed to change our varietal structure,
to embrace mechanisation in the future.
as we were finding it difficult to compete.”
“A 3-dimensional tree is quite a complicated
With Red Delicious’ value at that time coming
thing, it takes years to properly teach someone all
predominantly from the export market, and with
the skills required to competently prune and trim
increasing overseas competition, Howard recognised
new orchards.
the need to diversify his family orchard’s approach.
“So, we go for two narrow canopies in a V, and
“The strategy in the first instance was to be
that way we think we’ve got the best yield potential
less reliant on Red Delicious and exports,” he said.
but still a relatively simple system that’s very, very
“Royal Gala and Pink Lady were available, so we
easy to train people to operate on.”
started growing them.
As well as new growing systems, Howard
“Our focus was getting out of the low-density
is also happy to put his faith in technology where
plantings that were labour-intensive.
appropriate.
“We started planting our own nursery trees in
It is two degrees when I ring Howard, and in
1994. New planting on more dwarfing rootstocks of
the days following, it will snow in the Huon Valley,
M9 and M26 allowed for a lot higher density. At that
a reminder that the famed ‘apple isle’ still serves
stage we had been 5m between rows, and we came
up its share of climatic factors for growers to
in to 3.5m rows.
contend with.
A PA L.O R G.A U AFG SPRING 2020 | 9
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
After seeing the success of using rain covers
over cherries in the region, Hansen Orchards decided
A strong pedigree
to shift in the same direction for apples, by investing Howard Hansen, Grower of Howard’s pathway to Managing Director at
in hail-net and frost fans. the Year. Hansen Orchards followed a reasonably traditional
“They are two of the biggest climate issues Photo: Fred & Hannah. route taken by Australian growers – grow up on
we face, and it worked with the cherries, so we went the family farm, study at ag college and then return
in the same direction,” he says. home and implement learnings to improve the
“We’ve also worked closely with a company family business.
called Ellips for grading technology and have “When I was younger, I loved growing up
recently updated both internal and external quality on the farm but was keen to do something more
cameras and changed to high intensity LED lights mechanically oriented,” Howard said.
to try and have a bit more accuracy on bruising and “But then when I did that first year on the
stem punches. orchard, I never wanted to do anything else, and
“Ahead of the 2020 harvest season we’ve here I am.
invested in a couple of self-propelled platforms to “Studying at Marcus Oldham and the year
assist with the labour efficiency, pruning, thinning in New Zealand were pretty important, I learnt a
and harvest.” lot and made a lot of useful contacts and friends.”
Howard's great grandfather Carl Hansen
began growing apples in Tasmania in the 1890s
at Nubeena, on the Tasman Peninsula. In 1944,
Howard’s grandfather Rupert relocated his family
to the Huon Valley with the purchase of an existing
apple orchard at Grove, where they remain today.
It’s a decent size operation these days: along
We know that the single best promotion is to with 85ha of apple orchards that grow Envy, Jazz,
put a good apple in someone’s mouth. Eve, Rockit, Ambrosia, Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Granny
Smith, Fuji and Golden Delicious. They store and
pack for 12 other growers in the region, and a slick,
high-end cider label has come on in leaps and
bounds to add value to their waste stream.
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There are 135ha of cherry orchards as healthy snack alternative going forward. “In the end
well, which have proved a highly profitable export we gave over 150,000 apples away.”
commodity, although Howard says growing apples
remains his “bread and butter”. Around 450 people Labour and other challenges
are employed in the peak of cherry season.
on the radar
Tasmanian through and through COVID-19 has ensured the issue of workforce
availability is ever present on most growers’ minds,
Well documented is Hansen’s investment in tech,
and Howard says he’ll be “watching very closely”
innovation and research, but the last few years has
moves made by the Government in this space
seen considerable investment in its community
between now and harvest.
as well.
“About 80 per cent of our total payroll is paid
One example of this is the ‘Apples for Tassie
to Tasmanians,” he says.
Kids’ campaign from 2018–2019, where Hansen
“There’s a smaller reliance on those working
Orchards aimed to give a free apple to every kid in
holiday makers, but that said, like everyone else we’re
the state.
very interested in what the Government will do.
As Hansen Orchards Marketing Manager Baden
“A business like ours is reliant on having a
Ribbon says, the idea stemmed from improving the
team of good people to run it, and at the moment
health of Tasmanian kids, but there were benefits
we feel blessed with the combination of experienced
for Hansen and the entire industry as well.
mentors and good keen passionate young guys.
“We know that the single best promotion is
“All businesses probably need a combination
to put a good apple in someone’s mouth,” he says.
of both and we certainly feel like we’ve got that.
“We were alarmed by some of the health
“The biggest challenge we all face as an
statistics that came from the Tasmanian Liberal
industry is consistently delivering a good enough
Party’s 5 Year Strategic Health Plan.
eating experience that the consumer wants to keep
“One third of Tasmanians aged 2 to 17 are
coming back.
considered overweight or obese.
“Consumption has been declining in Australia
“So, we decided to give a good eating apple to
for a long period of time and we need to reverse
every single student in Tasmania with the belief that
that trend.”
they would enjoy it enough to choose an apple as a
– Tim McGlone
12 | A F G S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 A PA L.O R G.A UAWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
2020 Lifetime Achievement
Ian Smith
Continual learning is the key to Ian Smith’s success.
R & R Smith has been producing quality apples for
130 years, and APAL 2020 Lifetime Achievement
recipient Ian Smith has been around for over half
of that period.
Having taken over the reins of the orchard
aged just 21 after the death of his father Ron, Ian
has forged an extraordinary life and career growing
apples at Grove, in the heart of the Huon Valley.
Through contributions to research and
development, and as chairman of the Australian
Research and Development Committee (ARDC),
as well as its Tasmanian equivalent, the Industry
Advisory Committee (IAC), Ian has also helped
make it easier for the generations of growers from
both Tasmania and Australia who follow to do
the same.
As the 79-year-old explains, continuing to
learn has been a passion for both he and his family.
“When I took over the orchard, I didn’t really
know what I was doing. We just grew red rocks and
green rocks,” he says with a laugh.
“Now we’re trying to grow quality fruit to meet “The bulk of industry research and development
consumer demands. in my lifetime has been about improving growing,
“We’re constantly sourcing information so that Constantly improving and and horticultural skills.
innovating has provided “The skills of the next generation are different;
we can improve over time, and that’s been a lifestyle opportunity and enjoyment
for me and my son, and one that we’ve really enjoyed.” for Ian Smith and family. they’re going to be coming from other areas.
Having seen a lifetime of change, striving to Photo: Fred & Hannah.
“A lot of them are electronic; cold systems
learn more about his craft seems to be one of the for managing cool stores; managing irrigation;
few constants through Ian’s time in the industry, managing transport.
and is undoubtedly a quality that has ensured R & R “It is difficult to see how industry will actively
Smith’s longevity in the industry.. promote the research and development that will
It has helped them overcome many challenges, have to go to these areas.”
including the United Kingdom’s entry into the The Smith family continues to go from strength
European common market in the 1970s, following to strength. Its 46.5ha orchard has received plenty
which Ian became one of the first to identify and of attention in the form of niche travel and food
conquer the South-East Asian market. media over the years, while the Willie Smith’s Cider
Ian was also one of the first to adopt cool brand is among the most famous in Australia. Only
storage in the 1980s, while he, alongside son Andrew, a few years ago R & R Smith bought out Calvert
transformed the farm into a totally organic operation Brothers’ orchard in Ranelagh.
in the 1990s. After over 60 years in the orchard you’d think
“In the 50s we had a thriving market in he might have had enough, but Ian is still involved
Australia, and it was export orientated to the in day to day operations and R & R Smith, and is
Northern Hemisphere. When that collapsed, we continually looking forward to the challenges ahead.
started selling to the markets into South-East Asia. “Very proud, I’ve always liked the science side
“After that the lower cost southern hemisphere of it, started out with a blood and guts approach,
markets decided they could buy the market and and then it was about trying to make it more user
gradually we declined there. friendly, and we’re doing that and I see it as an
“Technology was changing with the advent of ongoing challenge for the business,” he says.
cool storage, and it became possible to extend the “We’re fairly comfortable where we stand at
period of marketing for an apple. the moment.
“Supermarkets want good quality fruit on “My family has been involved in growing apples
their shelves for 12 months of the year. That’s a big for 130 years, I’m pretty proud of what we’ve done.
challenge we face as an industry.” “It’s provided a nice way of life for me and my
Ian says future learnings must continue family and provided us with an opportunity for a
to focus on technological and mechanical based worthwhile pursuit during our life.”
improvements. –Tim McGlone
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“We gained so much working with them. A lot
2020 Lifetime Achievement of work on predatory mites for the control of two
John Robson spotted mite and European red mite was done. Many
of the chemicals we were using were suppressing
If things go to plan for Batlow grower John Robson beneficial insects and our spray programs were
and son Ian the 2.7-hectare block planted on Mount altered and reduced to suit IPM.
View last winter will yield 100 tonnes/ha with a Class 1 “Graham Squires [Lenswood Airmist Sprayers]
packout of 90 per cent when it hits full production. encouraged low volume spraying for most chemical
The high-density planting – 10,000 tree/ha applications. It has been standard practice for over
at a 4m row x 0.25m tree spacing on a V-trellis – 20 years to apply sprays at 250 litres/ha, including
will be suited to automation, better positioning the thinning sprays.”
orchard to meet the challenges of the availability The quest for improvement saw the
and cost of labour. establishment of a nursery in 1972 and of rootstock
But John’s vision for what automation can beds as soon as virus-tested material could be
make possible for industry goes way beyond simply obtained.
fruit picking. Mount View was one of the inaugural members
“The V-trellis system allows for fruit production of the Australian Nurserymen’s Fruit Improvement
by ‘numbers’,” John said. “The goal of 100 t/ha Company (ANFIC) in 1984, established with the aim
requires 10kg per tree. Assessment of the trees can of liaising with plant breeders and nurseries around
be undertaken at various stages to determine fruit the world and sourcing new varieties of fruit for
bud numbers, blossom counts and strength, fruitlet Australian growers.
numbers and final fruit counts. Robotics, electronic International travel for ANFIC provided
technology and platforms will all play a part in the opportunities to find new nursery growing techniques
management of this orchard system.” and special purpose machinery.
John’s passion for innovation and willingness Other orchard purchases and plantings followed
to embrace new ideas is a constant in his fifty-year with wife Iola and partners in Mount View, and also
plus commitment to industry improvement, research the establishment in 1994 of the prize-winning
collaboration, variety evaluation and the Batlow Flemington Limousin cattle stud near Adelong,
community which is honoured in the 2020 Lifetime managed by daughter-in-law Donna and son Ian.
Achievement award. John has been a Director of Batlow Fruit Co-op
Throughout that time, John and his family have for over 20 years and was Chairman when in 2017 it
been supportive long-term commercial collaborators was converted to the Batlow Fruit Company Pty Ltd
in research with both NSW DPI and CSIRO, hosting with financial support from Ausfarm Fresh and the
trials and evaluation sites, acting as Future Orchards unanimous support of members. He remains deputy
focus orchard and always open to sharing knowledge chairman and believes the region has a great future for
and furthering industry progression. fruit growing, particularly in the face of climate change.
“He is a quiet achiever who has always had “’Batlow’ is a stand-out brand and it is the cool
the greater good of the industry at heart and has Lifelong supporter of
climate that gives the Batlow district the advantage research and innovation
made many contributions to the local and broader in terms of flavour and fruit quality,” he said. and champion of the Batlow
industry over the years,” say those who have worked “As we look to the future, it’s going to be the region, Mount View orchardist
with and known him over the years.. John Robson sees plenty of
right varieties with quality and tonnage which will promise in both.
A third-generation grower, John’s orcharding continue this advantage.” Photo: Carl Davies.
career got off to a bit of a rocky start when the family – Alison Barber
orchard and farm was sold in his first year at Yanco
Agricultural High School.
“Christmas Day 1956 was the worst hailstorm
I can ever remember and that changed things for
my family and in 1959 the farm was sold,” John said.
He found school holiday work with Batlow
orchardist Jack Faulkner. A permanent role followed
and in 1968 John, his father, Jack Faulkner and
Bunny Brown bought a half share of HV Smith’s
Mount View (Batlow) business and set about the
process of development and research collaboration
that continues today.
“Our gate has always been open to researchers
wanting to come in and do a project,” John said.
“We have worked with a lot of people from Dept of Ag,
including Lionel Boorman, Jill Campbell, Col Bower,
Les Penrose, Graham Thwaite and Ron Gordon and
CSIRO’s Les Readshaw.
A PA L.O R G.A U AFG SPRING 2020 | 15AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
2020 Women in Horticulture
Sandra Ceravolo
Sandra Ceravolo’s decision to travel three hours a
day on public transport from Adelaide to Roseworthy
College was one of the first indications of her passion
for horticulture in her home state. Thirty years later,
Sandra is just as passionate for her industry and
in particular the new ideas and thinking the next
generation is bringing to an industry that has
evolved considerably since her early days.
“After the first year I deferred my studies with
the goal of saving for a car so I could drive to and
from Roseworthy but new doors opened and I
found myself studying accountancy, then data
programming at night school and then in 1988
Tony and I were married,” says Sandra.
“Tony was already transitioning to dedicated
apple and cherry orchards, but we still grew
vegetables between the rows of trees to provide
income,” recalls Sandra.
Sandra began helping with picking and packing
but with a strong work ethic and the enthusiasm to
give any task a go her role rapidly evolved.
“Jobs needed to be done so we just got on
with it – I never felt being a woman was a factor in
how work was allocated,” said Sandra.
As the orchard operations grew during the “I love what I do, but I am also really enjoying
1990s so did the business management demands creating space for the next generation – giving them
and opportunities. Sandra Ceravolo is excited the freedom to try, fail, succeed, learn and improve.
“We were the first to introduce a Quality about the energy new thinking “Finding the right time to share my experience
can bring to the industry.
Assurance program into our operations and I really or ask questions to test their ideas is a skill that I am
Photo: Darren Clements.
enjoyed the challenge and having oversight of the working on but I love the energy and ideas that are
full supply chain," Sandra said. emerging from the younger people in our industry.”
Sandra’s official title evolved too and as In addition to Tony and Sandra’s children
Operations Manager she has enjoyed a wide brief finding their career paths within the industry, Sandra
that oversees integral business operations within is expanding her mentoring to include emerging
the family’s business. It’s a role that also leverages talent within the business and local industry.
her creative thinking, her enjoyment of working with “Women don’t step forward often enough and
people across the industry and her ability to make our youth are often hesitant to step forward for fear
things happen. they don’t know enough. Our industry needs the
When South Australia’s apple crop was hit by energy that comes with new thinking.”
hailstorms in 2017, Sandra stepped up to support “Every generation takes our industry forward
the local industry to deliver the Hailstorm Heroes in new directions and that means new career
campaign. opportunities and the need for new and different
“The Hailstorm Heroes project created an skills. Supporting our youth to carve their own path
opportunity for anyone to step up and contribute in horticulture is such a rewarding experience.”
their skills. For me the urgency and scale provided – Linda Nieuwenhuizen
a great opportunity and I really enjoyed being able
to share my skills and experience particularly in
procurement, design, promotion and marketing but
at the same time I was learning new ideas and ways
from others.
“My friends and networks were invaluable and
there were many occasions where I found myself
Our industry needs the energy that comes
saying if I can’t, I know someone who can.” with new thinking.
Reflecting on her award, Sandra’s plans can be
described as ‘cc’d on more emails but responsible
for fewer’.
16 | A F G S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 A PA L.O R G.A UAWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
“There are great benefits in seeing the face
2020 Marketer of the Year behind ‘the brand’ and talking to them one-to-one,”
Mira Milich Mira said. “It builds a relationship, builds a trust.
Farmers are faced with all sorts of challenges with
Mira Milich can pinpoint the exact moment she knew mother nature and there will be times when the
that marketing fresh fruit had to go way beyond buyers might say ‘I bought some apples it was maybe
pictures of pretty fruit. a little marked and can you tell me why’ – it’s an
“I was on my way to do a photo shoot in an educational opportunity learning about why it is
orchard in October 2018 and there was a huge super the way it is in terms of flavour, size, brix levels.”
cell hailstorm,” she said. “The grower called and said Building relationships has also built sales,
look we’ve just been hit, three quarters of the crop is Mira says, as buyers familiar with the grower and
Seeing the face behind the
gone. It was that emotional. They were only a week brand builds relationships, happy with the fruit have consistently bought it
into their harvest. Mira says. themselves and told others about it.
“I said to Tony (Carter, of Montague Qld The beautiful photos and ‘behind-the-scenes’
Wholesaler, Mira’s fiancée) Australia needs to see videos of growers and their families, and what’s
this. Why not show Australia the real challenges, the going on in the orchard season by season shared
trees they’ve nurtured to this point just for mother with Divine Fruits’ growing online following has also
nature to take that away.” been changing perceptions and buying habits
The heart-felt grower interview Mira shared among consumers.
on her Divine Fruits social media still ranks in her “To see growers in their orchards, their kids
three highest-viewed posts by her 5600+ followers walking through eating fruit, it’s very relatable,” Mira
(Instagram and Facebook), and the response was said. “People don’t just comment on the post, they
immediate from both national media and consumers. take the time to email and say they saw it and went
“All these comments started coming through: and bought the fruit and please could I pass on to the
‘What can we do to help?’ ‘Can we pick the fruit? we’d growers they were the best apples they’ve ever eaten.”
like to buy it’.” Recipes have been added recently in response
It is Mira’s passion for not just marketing fresh to requests and when Mira is not in the wholesale
fruit, but bringing growers, buyers and consumers market introducing buyers to growers, she might be
together to build understanding, loyalty – and sales organising meet-the-grower events, International
– that have made her marketing so powerful and Women’s Day events or orchard weekend experiences.
earned her the 2020 Marketer of the Year award. “During the campaigns, it’s 10-hour days,”
“I’m a connector,” she says simply. she said. “But for me it’s really exciting, every year
Mira has been connecting growers with is different.”
customers from her base on Queensland’s Gold Her hope for the award is that it will show how
Coast since 2016 when she saw a gap between important it is for grower stories to be told so the
what the buyers saw in the Rocklea market and what consumers can learn more about the process of
she saw visiting growers with Tony. growing fruit and the people who do it.
As well as stonefruit and apple growers in “It is essential we share how our food is grower-
Queensland’s Granite Belt, she now represents Mira Milich, Divine Fruits, is delivered, the beautiful places it comes from and
stonefruit growers as far south as Victoria’s building loyalty and trust by how much time and effort producers invest, so that
connecting growers and
Goulburn Valley. consumers. people can value and appreciate the food they put
“There was all this beautiful fresh product on Photo: Emily Bloomfield.
on their table. It’s good to share, as it is the reality.”
the market floor but we didn’t really see any of the – Alison Barber
farmers’ faces behind the product, and there was
no education around it,” she said.
“I felt really strongly that it was time to tell the
story and help Australia learn more about the growing
regions and the fruit that they take into their home,
not only to tell growers’ story but also to educate
the consumer about choosing the fruit.”
Trust and loyalty
With the blessing of Montague Qld and former
experience in marketing and events she approached
growers. Posters of growers with their families were
backed up with meet-and-greet seasonal launches
on the market floor where buyers from green grocers,
convenience stores, gourmet providores and hotel
and restaurant suppliers could meet growers and
learn about the fruit.
A PA L.O R G.A U AFG SPRING 2020 | 17AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Trusted, and also an engaging and entertaining
2020 Research and Extension presenter. Marcel keeps up to date with international
Marcel Veens trends and has a rare skill for translating something
seen elsewhere into a local context.
If you had to coin a term for being in constant motion, Born in the Netherlands into a family of third-
to ‘Marcel’ would surely fit the bill. generation fruit growers – eight of his nine brothers
So energetic and hard-working is this year’s are fruit growers – Marcel has been on the move since
Research and Extension Award recipient that you finishing horticultural studies. “I come from a farm,
might find him providing orchard advice to a we were hippies,” he says. “We had no money, but
grower in the Huon Valley one day, discussing pest plenty of time. I started travelling, I worked in Thailand,
management in the south west Western Australia, France, I’ve been to Turkey and to Albania where they
Batlow or Orange the next and before you could have apples and cherries, and to Azerbaijan. I still
blink he’d be up a ladder dispensing with an unwanted have lots of connections in Europe and I travel there,
branch or spur as he demonstrates pruning even on holiday. I’ve studied apple and pear growing
techniques to an attentive crowd in the Goulburn around the world and I’ve never stopped travelling.”
Valley, Adelaide Hills or Stanthorpe. Fortunately, José, Marcel’s wife, business
Wherever he is, Marcel Veens' deep knowledge, partner, ‘and support through all these years’ shares
experience and passion for the industry commands the love of travel and —from an apple-growing
immense respect and he is sought out by growers, family also — of apples.
agronomists and researchers throughout the Marcel and José moved to Australia 30 years
sector for his expertise, his independence and his ago. Marcel worked as general manager for south
understanding of local conditions. “Marcel says,” …. east Queensland-based apple, pear, stonefruit and
is a byword for authoritative information. lychee producer Ch. Füglister before setting up as
“He’s trusted,” sums up one of several award a horticultural consultant in 2005.
selection committee members to nominate Marcel His knowledge was quickly recognised by
on behalf of growers. “He’s not shy, but that’s what industry and he was invited to speak at field days
growers value. He says what he thinks. They might and joined the boards of both the Australian Fresh
not always agree but it challenges their thinking.” Fruit Co (AFFCo) and the Australian Pome Fruit
“His impact on Australia’s apple industry Improvement Group (APFIP).
cannot be overstated,” says another.
. Widens
ens your a
Wide application
window for fruit thinning.AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
The Millennium Drought was the catalyst to
resign and put knowledge built up over the years
and his European networks to work for growers as
a consultant.
“I go everywhere and I’m away 60 per cent of
the time, but it is really interesting,” he says. “Every
district is different. The best part of consulting is
the people. You learn as much from the growers
as they learn from me. We have some arguments
in the orchard, but that’s some fun and I don’t mind
that. It’s the interaction I like.”
Travelling as he does, Marcel has seen a lot of
orchard systems but says the multi leader cordon is
the one he sees the most promise in.
“I like a slender spindle and a bibaum (twin
leader),” he says. “You have a much simpler training
system and the trees can do what they want to do,
the problem is the higher capital investment. The
“It is absolutely necessary in Australia to net
cordon system (multi leader) is nothing new – we
to protect crops, you have to invest more,” he said.
did it in pears for 30 years – it is only now we are Knowledgeable, trusted and “The club varieties are a complex issue – Which
doing it in apples. For me it is the cordon system. engaging, Marcel Veens brings
the latest knowledge and a one to invest in and will it suit your region. It’s an
“The future will be in high density systems –
skill for translating it into a opportunity and a worry. Are there enough returns?
probably more canopies, more capital investment local solution to orchards
nationwide, challenging
You have to make a living, it’s not a hobby.”
and labour saving. Yield will come if have the density
thinking and driving practice COVID-19 has briefly curtailed Marcel and he
and we are not overcropping. If you have 8000 change. is uncharacteristically ‘at home’ at Pomona, north
leaders/ha and have 10kg a leader and you put
Photo: Liz Homer Photography. of Brisbane. The enforced inaction chafes a little but
your apples on, you have 80t/ha.”
staying put has its charms. “I live on a property in one
Marcel sees both climate change and club
of the most beautiful areas in Australia,” he said.
varieties as key challenges facing growers.
– Alison Barber
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upbringings. But as Matthew acknowledges, the
2020 Young Grower of the benefits are mutual when it comes to making workers
Year: Matthew Griggs feel at home.
“It’s good for us too because they want to
Picture this: A young man from Vanuatu in his 20s come back,” he said. “You get the same people back
heads to Australia for six months to pick some fruit and you know that they can do the work, they don’t
and earn some money for his family. He won’t see need the training and that they’ve got the fitness for
his wife and kids, nor extended family and friends the job. Happy people are helpful people.”
for a long period of time. He arrives in Tasmania The apple orchard makes up around 25ha at
where he doesn’t know anyone, where they speak a Lucaston Park Orchards, where they pick Jazz, Envy,
different language, and play a very different kind of Pink Lady, Royal Gala, Golden Delicious and Fuji.
rugby (on an oval). He’s expected to work very hard As well as apples, pears and a seasonal
and pick a lot of fruit for a boss he hasn’t met yet. apple juice, the Griggs family also grow cherries,
Having Young Grower of the Year Matthew raspberries, strawberries, plums and quince.
Griggs and the team at Lucaston Park Orchards Striking the right balance of working out how
as that ‘boss’ is an ideal outcome for any seasonal much money to invest into things like resources,
worker. technology and research is a well-documented
For the last year Matthew has had around issue for growers, but Matthew is also committed
10 permanent workers from the Seasonal Workers to investing in expanding his own knowledge.
Programme (SWP) on his Huon Valley orchards for A regular face at APAL and Fruit Grower
six months, plus an additional 40 at cherry harvest, Tasmania R & D events, Matthew undertook
and has been commended for the way he has helped the Masterclass in Horticultural Business at the
integrate workers into a tight-knit local community. Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture in 2019 on a
“They’re a long way from home, and here for Young Grower of the Year levy-funded scholarship.
a long time,” says the fourth-generation grower. It’s Matt Griggs' enthusiasm for Committing eight to ten hours every week
new ideas, learning and making
important to make them feel welcome.” others feel welcome are already
from February to November isn’t the easiest thing
Church services have been introduced at marking him out as one to for any 30-year-old to fit in but Matthew said the
watch. course taught him a great deal.
Lucaston Park Orchards, a move well received by
workers, many of whom come from devout Christian Photo: Fred & Hannah. “The scholarship was really, really good, I’m
so glad I got the chance to do it,” he said.
“The biggest point I took home was the concept
around value creation.
“One big issue at the moment is all the different
new varieties t coming out. No-one seems to know
which one to go for.
“Attached to them are sometimes quite
exorbitant fees to market them.
“At the end of the day all club varieties are
locked into a higher priced segment of the market
just to pay for the additional associated costs, most
of which add little value for the end consumer.
“Some do, but unless they’re increasing the
value in the customers’ eyes by more than the extra
cost to you per kg, they aren’t worth it.”
A former Tasmanian Young Grower of the
Year Matthew said he was ‘very honoured’ to receive
the national award and he hoped to see more young
people joining the sector.
“If we want an industry in the long term it’s
very important there’s young guys coming through,”
he said.
“But there has to be a role people want to
do. You’ve got to want to do it, and it’s got to be a
viable career.
“I don’t think there’s many barriers, although I
think a barrier which is probably not considered much
is the growth of agriculture.
“If the industry as a whole is enabled to grow
then there’ll be more jobs.”
– Tim McGlone
A PA L.O R G.A U AFG SPRING 2020 | 21You can also read
