POMEWEST update

As we wrap up 2025 and prepare for the festive season, we reflect on a year of achievements for the WA Pome Industry.

Words Nardia Stacy, Executive Manager, Pomewest

OUR programs and events highlight the dedication of our high-performing committee members and staff, and we were proud to be featured in this year’s APC Annual Report as a model committee, taking a holistic approach to enhancing producer profitability. Our industry remains united in a clear purpose: to improve the productivity and profitability of WA apples and pears.

The outlook for the upcoming harvest season is very positive. With satisfactory chill-portion measurements and sufficient rainfall to fill the dams, growers are well-prepared to irrigate their crops this summer. Manjimup and Pemberton have concluded the catchment season with above-average portions recorded, while Donnybrook and the Perth Hills have average numbers.

The winter chill was average, setting the trees up for a good flowering this spring.

• Manjimup reached its average of 70 chill portions, a positive sign

• Bickley (Perth Hills) exceeded its average, reaching 57 chill portions.

• Donnybrook, however, is expected to fall short of its average, reaching only 50 chill portions.

To date, flowering has been relatively consistent, with good weather enabling good pollination and the promise of sound fruit set.

There has been scattered frost in recent weeks, and growers are closely monitoring insect activity, especially those registered for export.

We encourage our growers to diligently test the maturity of the new season’s fruit to maintain our strong reputation for high quality and consistently meet consumer expectations.

Although the season often begins with a sense of unpreparedness, this serves as a reminder that our program distinguishes us nationally and fosters unity and pride among growers. Additionally, we take pride in validating our competitive prices, which have become the envy of the producers based along the East Coast.

Our Pomewest events have again been delivered with our usual expectations, reminding us of the power of consistency and the promise of the familiar in our promotions strategies.”

Perth Royal Show

The Perth Royal Show continues to be a success this year. The Pomewest WA Apple and Pear stand attracted many new and valued customers this year at the Centenary Pavilion’s ‘Farm 2 Food’ exhibit. This area showcased the ‘real food’ agricultural sector at the show, serving to educate attendees and discuss ‘all things apples’ with apple lovers from Western Australia.

There were ‘no snackgrets’ when choosing apples over some of the other not-so-healthy options offered at the event. We once again showcased the variety of apples available in our store and highlighted the sensory differences among them, including pears in our display.

We sold many Apple Slinky machines, enabling families to create their own Apple Slinkies at home. This not only boosted our sales at the event but also served as a reminder to buy fresh fruit, helping to build demand in the market.

WAHU was insightful collective of likeminded delegates

Held 22 October, 202 WAHU was a fantastic celebration of Western Australia’s horticulture. Many valuable insights were shared during the event. Key takeaways included the need to ensure future food security, the importance of productivity and growth in a rapidly changing technological landscape, and the need to reconnect consumers with growers.

Pomewest was proud to have Jen Riseley represent our organisation, particularly regarding the resilience and measurable impact aspects of the program.

Our work in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) within the PIPS 4 Profit project is beginning to show promising results, especially in controlling Mediterranean fruit fly using predatory insect solutions.

The networking and interaction opportunities between industries were arguably the most successful elements of the day. It was also wonderful to see the sponsorship from the Fruit West Cooperative, which showcased Bravo™ apples and provided Soluna™ Juice as the signature sundowner aperitif.

In this edition

Jason Jarvis gives his account of the Regen WA conference and his aspirations for the future of the industry, along with Susie and Jen report on the outcome of a recently completed root cause analysis of isolated tree health decline in an Donnybrook Orchard and a diagram demonstrating Pomewest’s current approach to demonstrate holistic value to growers in our current activities and projects representing value of fee for service collections from the industry.

In closing, we wish our producers a wonder festive season, celebrating with their families and friends. We will be taking a few weeks over the period, to re-group and energise for 2026 which promises to be outstanding. The Committee, Susie, Jen, and I are committed to continuing collective efforts to improve the industry. Don’t hesitate to contact the Pomewest team if you need assistance or want to discuss industry-related matters with us.

We will do our best to help. We constantly update our website with local news and events. Check us out at Pomewest.net.au, our Pomewest Growers page, and WA apples and pears on Facebook and Instagram.