update WA STONEFRUIT

To better understand where to focus support, innovation, extension, and adoption efforts for stone fruit growers across the state, WA Stonefruit is conducting a Tree and Orchard Health Survey.

Words Kim Starkie, Industry Development Officer, WA Stonefruit

THE tree and orchard health survey isn’t about compliance or benchmarking. Instead, it’s designed to gather genuine feedback and give growers a direct voice in shaping future industry support and development.

At its heart, the survey aims to build a clear picture of what’s happening in WA stonefruit orchards so that future efforts can be better targeted and more effective.

All survey responses are completely confidential and are compiled solely by the Industry Development Officer. Growers can be confident that their full submissions won’t be shared with the wider industry, while aggregated data may be used to highlight trends that benefit everyone. This approach has already encouraged growers to share openly, reflected in the quality of information received so far.

Stonefruit growers juggle an increasingly complex mix of factors — from soil and water conditions to shifting weather, pest pressures, and varietal choices. While many of these challenges are familiar, what has been missing is a coordinated, industry-wide snapshot of how these factors intersect at orchard level.

The survey is designed to cover a broad set of orchard and production factors, including:

• Soil characteristics: soil types, pH, salinity

• Water: water sources, quality, irrigation, management and monitoring

• Plant material: scions, rootstock, chill information, compatibility, resistance and nurseries supporting the industry

• Weather: chill, seasonal and site-specific impacts

• Pest and disease pressure: challenges and trends

• Orchard structure: tree ages, size, replanting, block history and other commodities

• Varieties: commodities grown, varietal mix

• Testing and analysis: internal and/or external testing conducted

The survey was sent to growers in mid-December and closed on 28 February 2026. The responses were reviewed to identify trends and insights that aligned with what mattered most to growers, and to determine where support or further investigation into futureproofing and growth should be prioritised.

Through testing, analysis and interpretation, the project focused on identifying common themes and emerging patterns. These insights were used to guide:

• Extension activities and technical support

• Priority areas for research and innovation

• Adoption programs that were practical and regionally relevant

• Stronger links between growers, service providers and researchers

The survey has marked an important step in strengthening WA Stonefruit’s connection with growers at a grassroots level.

By actively seeking feedback and sharing insights back with the industry, WA Stonefruit strengthens it’s role as a valuable resource for growers and a trusted link between on farm experience and broader industry initiatives.

Grower participation will continue to be essential in shaping meaningful industry outcomes. When growers engage in projects like this, their experiences and perspectives help build a clearer understanding of orchard conditions across the state. The more growers who take part, the stronger and more accurate the foundation will be for future planning and support across the WA stonefruit sector.

With the survey now completed, the project has moved into the next phase, where testing, analysis and interpretation are currently underway. These ongoing efforts are helping to uncover emerging patterns and priority areas and will inform upcoming industry initiatives. This continued work ensures WA Stonefruit remains responsive, grower focused, and well positioned to support long term industry growth.