POMEWEST
3 DURING 2020 there were three virtual orchard walks delivered direct to the grower’s computer.
Future ® Orchards the past five years BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE PROJECT MANAGER, POMEWEST
W
ith Future Orchards® moving into a new phase in July 2021, it’s time to look back at what we have achieved in Future Orchards® 2, 2015–20. Over the past five years, Pomewest have been working with Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL) and AgFirst to deliver the highest standard of agronomic information for your orchard, facilitating orchard walks with international and national speakers to growers in Western Australia (WA) and all Australian Pome growing regions.
The project is one-of-a-kind, delivering an internationally renowned technology-transfer program. Future Orchards has been responsible for accelerating and expanding the adoption of innovation and technology
74
WA Grower AUTUMN 2021
in apple and pear businesses across Australia leading to an increase in production right here in WA.
• 2017 Michael, Kaye and Mat Fox (Pemberton), T and C Fontanini (Manjimup), Rob Tassone (Kirup)
This project wouldn’t have been the success it has without the support and participation of WA growers.
• 2018 Newtons Brothers (Manjimup), Blue Moon (Mullalyup)
Throughout every part of the project, WA growers have been involved and created a dynamic environment for learning.
Orchard Walks In 2020 there were three virtual orchard walks delivered direct to the grower’s computer. While we couldn’t host the guest speakers due to COVID-19 conditions, we were able to get together in local groups in WA.
• 2019 John Hearman (Donnybrook), T and C Fontanini (Manjimup), Michael, Kaye and Mat Fox (Pemberton) • 2020 three Virtual Orchard Walk presentations at DPIRD and orchard walks at Fontanini’s long-term Apple replant trial (Manjimup) and Rob and Cheryl Omodei (Pemberton).
Since 2015, there have been 13 Future Orchards trials.
Since 2015, when Future Orchards 2 began, there have been 17 Orchard Walks attended by more than 500 growers in WA. I would like to thank the following orchards for hosting walks: • 2015 Vic Grozotis (Manjimup), Ann and Mauri Lyster (Manjimup), Terry, Basil and Mark Martella (Kirup) • 2016 Steve Ghilarducci (Karragullen), T and C Fontanini (Manjimup), Steve Atherton (Donnybrook)
Each orchard walk has been uniquely different and everyone has always had really positive stories about each visit.
Thank you for opening up your orchard so that everyone could see how you were operating, it is really appreciated.
Future Orchards trials I have had a great team behind me, the Community Orchard Group (COG) consisting of: Terry Martella, Mark Scott, Joe Fontanini, Mat Fox and Dave Stewart. These growers, along with AgFirst consultant Steve Spark, were able to provide strategic direction on the trials that would be of benefit to all WA growers.
