POMEWEST update

Launching WA apples and pears to the market.

Resilience amidst challenges in the orchard industry

AS we reflect on the 2026 growing season, it’s hard not to recall the optimism that filled the air back in February. Just imagine ideal weather conditions featured plentiful rainfall, cool nights, warm days, and no extreme heat — setting the stage for what promised to be a bumper crop. Growers were delighted with a hungry workforce and record prices, making it a truly exciting time for our industry. However, unexpected disruptions arose in March, presenting challenges that none of us saw coming.

Despite these hurdles, our industry demonstrated remarkable resilience, and we managed to navigate the harvest with minimal disruption. Yet, like many sectors, orchardists are grappling with severely squeezed profit margins due to surging input costs, particularly in fuel and fertiliser surcharges aplenty. It leaves us wondering whether there will ever be a break from these external financial pressures.

On a brighter note, confidence within the industry remains strong, especially with new players entering the market. Their enthusiasm is a promising sign that consumer demand for fresh, locally grown produce continues to grow, reinforcing the importance of food security in our communities. As we move forward, this commitment to quality and sustainability will be paramount in overcoming the challenges we face.

Quality — growers and supply chain working in sync

This season, we tested 158 samples of new fruit, achieving an impressive 95% pass rate. While this is a slight drop from last year’s 98%, we should celebrate our performance: 93% at wholesale and 94% at retail.

Our commitment is evident in the 11 pre-harvest tests requested, exceeding previous years, and with positive results from controlled atmosphere storage projected for 2025, we’re set for greater success.

We take pride in the quality of the new Pink Lady apples, while also learning from challenges with Gala and some Granny Smith varieties. Our quality program ensures consumers in Western Australia enjoy the best fruit possible.

Representatives from the Agricultural Producers Commission, industry leaders, and various committee members gathered on 29 April in Belmont for the Annual Meeting to discuss issues facing the horticulture sector and future opportunities.

Key panel members included representatives from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as well as expertise from business and trade leaders.

Discussions covered working to achieve outcomes and strategic plans through innovation, automation, AI, and export opportunities, notably the new trade prospects for apples to China. The wine industry was cited as a successful example of export trade growth strategies implemented to benefit WA producers.

Pomewest presents Hon Minister Jackie Jarvis MLC, new season Pinks.

Three WA apple industry nominees announced for the Hort Connections Industry Awards

In May, Hort Connections announced nominees for the Horticulture Awards for Excellence, recognising achievements in the sector. Congratulations to Mario Casotti for Grower of the Year, Rebecca Blackman for Exporter of the Year, and Nardia Stacy for Women in Horticulture from Western Australia. Winners will be revealed at the Hort Connections 2026 Gala dinner. Being nominated is a great acknowledgment of talent across the Australian horticulture industry. Go WA!

Upcoming events

Schools Promotions

The Pomewest 2026 Schools Program is promoting apples as a healthy snack and lunchbox option. In collaboration with the WA Crunch and Sip program, 25 primary schools will engage in various apple and pear activities. Evaluation feedback from teachers and students shows that the fruit provided a positive experience, with apples used in math, literature, art, and activities like breakfast clubs and walk-to-school campaigns. Schools like East Fremantle Primary are in the process of developing apple and pear recipes for their Kid’s Kitchen menus, aiming to nurture future apple eaters.

PIPS 4 Profit Roadshow and Pomewest Annual Dinners — September 2026

The first week of September will be the date for the next instalment of roadshows for the above project. This jam-packed event aims to update the industry on a three-pronged approach to PIPS 4 Profit, being integrated pest and disease management, soil health, and productivity. Researchers from each of the collaborating partners across the pome-growing regions of Australia will gather to present key findings from each project component to date. The Pomewest grower dinners will follow the afternoon orchard events in the three regions, providing an opportunity to network with special guests and foster collaboration and unity within the industry.

This edition

Launching WA apples and pears to the market. The 2026 promotions with the Donnybrook Apple and Pear Festival and the Yagan Square Pink Lady — Painting Perth Pink.

Jen provides an update on the PIPS 4 Soils program, and the Narrow Orcharding Systems team updates on progress following a workshop for growers in late May.

In closing, on behalf of the Committee, Susie, Jen, and I are committed to advancing our collective efforts to improve the industry for 2026. Don’t hesitate to contact the Pomewest team if you need assistance or would like to discuss industry-related matters. We will do our best to help.

More information Nardia Stacy, 0411 138 103, nardia@pomewest.net.au