Jeremy Griffith, APAL Head of Industry, Government Relations & Advocacy, shared this update to industry in the Winter 2025 edition of AFG. “Growers continue to take all the risk in the production of fresh fruit and vegetables ...” apal.org.au/now-what-for-t…

Agriculture Victoria is leading research into biological control agents for black spot and Phytophthora as part of the PIPS 4 Profit Pest and disease management (AP22001) project. Greg Lefoe interviews plant pathologist Tonya Wiechel about the research: youtu.be/kfpMc6FMWJU

Quality and packout data are a great source of information on how the crop performed and a valuable opportunity to spot areas where attention to detail might reward the effort next season. Read more: apal.org.au/the-crop-is-in…

Join us at APAL’s Future Orchards® Winter Series of orchard walks from 30 July – 6 August 2025, when we will focus on “Business and block planning – building the case for improvement or redevelopment”. Register: eventbrite.com/cc/apals-2025-…

Ardmona’s Mitch McNab is no stranger to embracing new strategies and technologies when he believes there will be an economic benefit. Watch Mitch and Agriculture Victoria’s Dr Alessio Scalisi chat about the experiment so far. youtube.com/watch?v=mZ6Fve…

🚨 We’re just two weeks away from the 2025 APAL Technical Symposium! After the previous Technical Symposium sold out in 2023, we highly recommend securing your tickets sooner rather than later. Register here: eventbrite.com.au/e/2025-apal-te…

The PIPS 4 Profit 'Pear production systems for future climates' (AP22002) project is researching effective strategies to enhance both using reflective mulch and, importantly, the timing needed to get results while avoiding sun damage. youtube.com/watch?v=6fGKJb…

As cost of production continually bites into business profit, it has never been so crucial to manage trees to maximise the number of quality marketable fruit it can reliably produce annually. Read more: apal.org.au/thinning-strat…

Interested in taking part in this year’s Orchard Business Analysis? AgFirst is collecting production and financial data from contributing orchards across Australia to create industry representative orchard models. apal.org.au/participate-in…

As labour costs continue to rise, growers are seeking ways to reduce manual inputs while achieving profitable production and quality targets. Agriculture Victoria researchers are testing a range of new technology tools and automated machinery. apal.org.au/pips-tests-tec…

The PIPS 4 Profit Pear production systems for future climates (AP22002) project has used spatial mapping of pear blush coverage and colour in blocks to determine where to apply colour enhancement techniques. youtube.com/watch?v=LzXHae…

Growers, do you have a small-scale research project or new concept you would like to explore in your orchard or packhouse that has a budget ranging from $2,000 to $10,000? Apply now for the new intake of the Future Orchards® Trial Incubator. apal.org.au/programs/futur…

From 4–6 August 2025, the Goulburn Valley played host to growers, researchers and industry professionals from across Australia for the 2025 APAL Technical Symposium and the APAL Awards for Excellence. Find out more: apal.org.au/2025-apal-tech…

This year’s Emerging Orchard Managers Leadership Course brought together the next generation of leaders in the Australian apple and pear industry for two days of learning, reflection and practical leadership development.

A new fact sheet on Diplodia canker (Botryosphaeria) has been added to the suite of 15 detailed pest and disease resources. Visit the APAL Export Hub: apal.org.au/member-hub/

Developed in collaboration with the Apple and Pear Strategic Market Development Panel, No Snackgrets is encouraging Australians to choose apples as their go-to healthy snack option. Read more: apal.org.au/no-snackgrets-…

What do we already understand about the role of carbohydrates in flower formation and development, and how might this be used to better manage the impact of physical stress on crop load? apal.org.au/importance-of-…

Early thinning can help improve return bloom in varieties prone to biennial bearing, but it has to be done before floral buds begin forming. Read more: apal.org.au/thin-early-in-…

APAL grower members in Tasmania and Queensland are invited to nominate candidates to represent apple and pear growers in their respective states. Read more: apal.org.au/apal-board-of-…

Brett Squibb, the APAL Grower of the Year, appreciates the value of living his whole life in Spreyton in northern Tasmania, on the outskirts of Devonport. Read more: apal.org.au/grower-of-the-…