WA STONEFRUIT delegation

Producers and industry representatives participating in an introduction or update on the NOS project, Manjimup.

THE event provided WA growers with an opportunity to connect, reflect on the season just finished, and prepare for the year ahead.

Recognising the importance of connecting WA growers with national industry initiatives and current research activities, WA Stonefruit coordinated a local program designed to maximise grower engagement and showcase regional research, orchard innovation and collaborative industry development activities. The program complemented the communication and extension project being delivered by the national team

The day commenced at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Manjimup Research Station, where attendees were welcomed

Above: Growers and Industry sharing knowledge and discussing ideas and experiences on the orchard walk. Below: Jess Fearnley, National Cherry Extension Manager and George Grozotis. Bottom: Chance for growers, agronomists and industry to connect and share knowledge. Joe Giblett (front), Jack Cross (centre) and Lachie - Farmlink (back). Right: Molly Black, Hort Innovation Industry Services Manager delivering her presentation ‘Intro to Hort Innovation Cherry Levy Fund’. and provided with an overview of the program. Representatives from the national industry organisations provided an overview of their respective roles and current national priorities, setting the tone for an engaging day of information sharing and collaboration.

Attendees then travelled to the orchard of George and Kathy Grozotis, where discussions focused on post-harvest management, orchard performance and preparation for dormancy. The orchard visit encouraged practical discussion among growers and provided an opportunity to share seasonal observations and management approaches.

During the visit, Rhys Muir from AgX Drone Distributors demonstrated spray drone technology and its potential applications within orchard systems. The demonstration generated strong interest among growers, particularly around innovation and future efficiencies in orchard management.

The group then returned to the research station for lunch and a series of presentations covering current research activities, biosecurity priorities and export opportunities for Australian cherries. Growers remained highly engaged throughout the sessions, actively contributing to discussions and sharing industry perspectives.

The day concluded with a walkthrough of the Narrow Orchard Systems (NOS) project led by DPIRD researchers at the Manjimup Research Station. Whilst the NOS project in Manjimup is focused on apples, the national project also includes cherry, nectarine, apricot, plum and other tree crops across multiple Australian growing regions. Discussions explored how future orchard system design may improve productivity, labour efficiency, mechanisation opportunities and climate resilience for Australian tree crop industries.

Approximately 30 people attended the event, including cherry growers, horticultural industry representatives, researchers and other stakeholders.

The strong participation highlighted the value of collaboration, extension and knowledge sharing in supporting a progressive and connected Australian cherry industry.

The event also demonstrated WA Stonefruit’s commitment to maintaining strong connections with national industry initiatives while creating valuable opportunities for WA growers to engage directly with research, innovation and industry development activities occurring across Australia.