This conference is all about you. conference guide

Fruit Growers is proud to host National Cherry Conference 3-6 August National Apple & Pear Conference 4-6 August Introduction and destination | Page 2

Introduction

It has been well established over time that if orchardists are to The basic definition of conference is meeting, discussion, talks, be competitive, profit making and sustainable into the future, consultation. Conferences obviously provide opportunity they need to continually review the way they produce their for growers to gather information and knowledge over a product and do business. In basic terms, the tools required to conveniently packaged few short days. Conferences also do this come from gathering new information and acquiring provide further opportunity for exchange of information knowledge, at least at the same rate as your competitors and between growers across the country, and development ideally at a greater rate! of contacts with other industry stakeholders – suppliers, exporters, agencies, reseachers and marketers. So how do you go about acquiring the knowledge and maintaining the growth in knowledge while simultaneously The 2009 National Cherry Growers Conference and National undertaking the production, harvest, packing and marketing of Apple & Pear Growers Conference are proudly hosted by Fruit your product and generally running your business? Growers Tasmania Inc (FGT) on behalf of CGA and APAL. Both the conferences are well supported by Horticulture Apple & Pear Australia Ltd (APAL), Cherry Growers Australia Australia Ltd. (CGA) and Horticulture Australia (HAL) are significant organisations in Australia’s Horticulture industry representing Fruit Growers Tasmania Inc conference committee has the interests of producers throughout growing regions all over comprised, not just FGT staff to manage the conference, but Australia. These organisations work continuously in providing also growers who have had significant input into the program. research and development, encourage industry innovations, The 2009 Conferences will offer a more condensed program, facilitate access to new information and provide the impetus meaning less time away from the orchard but still retaining the for the industry to strive for innovation. Another link in this important elements of access to information, social interaction chain are the State industry bodies who play an important and also introducing a new initiative… HortExpo. role in national communication network across industry and Tasmania is a great location with its fresh mountain air and stakeholders, addressing regional needs and issues as well as FGT, together with APAL, CGA and HAL, have much pleasure dissemination of information out to growers. This effective in inviting all Cherry, Apple & Pear growers from around structure provides assistance and information throughout the the growing regions of Australia to join us in August for an year so the question can be asked why have a Annual National exciting, informative and rewarding conference experience. Industry conference? tasmania the destination…

Tasmania is one of the most ideal conference locations in the world and all delegates attending the National Cherry Conference or National Apple and Pear Conference are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Whether it be the fantastic food, stunning scenery, convenient location or friendly atmosphere you will enjoy your stay and we certainly encourage delegates to bring their families and sneak a few extra days to travel around and see the state.

The conference location, , is easily accessed via air flights which service the city on a regular basis from most capital cities. The city is nestled at the foothills of the pic of hobart spectacular Mount Wellington and on the banks of the picturesque Derwent River. The city centre and environs are home to cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries. And of course everyone knows about the fantastic Tasmanian food and wines which are readily available throughout the state.

We encourage you to come along and enjoy our beautiful state and experience the wonderful feast that Tasmania has to offer. Theme, venue and Cherry Conference Program | Page 3

This conference is about you…

The 2009 National Cherry Conference and the National Innovation in production, growing our future… Apple and Pear Conference have been specifically tailored to meet the demands of the Australian pome fruit and cherry The theme of this year’s conference is looking towards the growers. The program is specifically focussed on production future, and production systems and technologies which will issues which have strong “take home” messages that growers take us into the next decade and beyond. The topics of the can implement on their own properties and orchards. With conference have been chosen to encourage growers to assess increasing pressures to reduce costs and become globally and adopt new processes, theories and technologies which will competitive our aim is to give you the latest information on assist them in becoming more competitive, more productive new and future production techniques. The HortExpo will be and more profitable. a combined field day, workshop, seminar, and trade show that The aim is to secure the future of the fruit industry for the will appeal to all growers and will cover a huge diversity of orchardists and their families and to ensure that growers are topics. a valued member of the food chain, in a world where food security is an increasingly important concept. Convention Venue

Hotel Grand Chancellor, 1 Davey Street, Hobart Chancellor offers premium accommodation as well as Located on the Hobart waterfront the Hotel Grand Chancellor other guest facilities including provides you with the majestic views over the Derwent River, gymnasium, pool, restaurants, Mt Wellington and greater Hobart. Only a 5 minute walk shops and undercover parking. from the city it is the ideal conference venue. Hotel Grand

National Cherry Cherry Conference Program 9.00am–10.00am Cherry Matrix - Assessing fruit quality Conference for sea freight 3-6th August Prof. Juan Pablo Zoffoli, Catholic University, Chile 10.00am–10.45am Keeping it in the Bag - A growers experience growing cherries in bags day one: Monday 3rd August Kevin Paulin, Alpine Packhouse, NZ 9am–12.30pm CGA Annual General Meeting 10.45am–11.15am Morning Tea 1.30pm–5pm CGA Annual Levy Payers Meeting 11.15am–12.00pm Managing Hives for the Pollination of Sweet Cherries

Dr. Mark Goodwin, Plant & Food Research (NZ) day two: Tuesday 4th August 12.00pm–1.00pm Balancing yield and quality in Sweet Cherries Prof. Matt Whiting, Washington State University, USA Program as detailed on right 1.00pm–2.00pm Lunch 6pm: Tasmania: Explore the Possibilities 2.00pm–3.00pm Cherry Production – Maintaining long term viability Welcome Cocktail Reception Travis Allan, Allan Bros, USA incorporating Taste of Tasmania 3.00pm–3.30pm Fruit set and climate change - How can we intervene? day three: Wednesday 5th August Dr Steve Wilson, Honorary Research Fellow, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems 9am–5pm: HortExpo Co-operative Research Centre 7pm: Cherry Isle Tasmania Gala Dinner 3.30pm–4.00pm Afternoon Tea day four: Thursday 6th August 4.00pm–4.30pm Future sweet cherry harvest technologies Prof. Matt Whiting, Washington State University, USA Departs 11am: Field trip to Bruny island 4.30pm–5.00pm Future trends in Asian fruit marketing for cherries John Hey, Asia Fruit Magazine HortExpo and Pome Fruit Program | Page 4

research presentations: hortexpo • New View On Cherry Cracking: Penny Measham, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research program • Mechanisation in Apple Packhouses: Dr Rory Flemmer, Massey University, NZ 5th August • Future of Soil Carbon in Perennial Horticulture: Sophie Wadley, Serve-Ag • The effect of varroa, the parasitic bee mite, on pollination: Here’s just a taste of what you can learn Dr Mark Goodwin, Plant & Food Research, NZ from our dynamic speakers. Full program released prior to the conference. • National Cherry Breeding Program: Darren Graetz, SARDI • Potential Earwig Control in Fruit Orchards: Stephen Quarall, University of Tasmania field • Pear Breeding Program: Susanna Turpin, Senior Horticultural Scientist - demonstrations: Plus Fruit Breeding Department Primary Industries, Victoria more!

• Cherry Pruning Demonstration sponsors presentations: • Cherry bud counting for analysis of Crop Load • How to Market your Business through Brand Packaging: Faith Campbell, Amcor • Apple Pruning Demonstrations • Pruning Spurs – heading towards no thinning?: Dr. Dugald Close, Department • Orchard Tours of J W Kirkwood, Primary Industry & Water / Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research Ticehurst, Campania • Future Chemical Application Technology for the Fruit Industry: • Precision agriculture Jorg Kitt, Croplands/Nufarm tractor demonstration • Productivity tools for Fresh Produce Growers and Packers: George Staphopoulis, GP Graders / Freshtrack Software

National pome Pome Fruit Conference Program fruit Conference 9.00am–9.45am 2020 Vision for Pomefruit Orchards 4-6th August Craig Hornblow, Agfirst (NZ) 9.45am–10.15am Innovation in Horticulture Ross Lloyd & Andrew Bremner, John Deere Ltd day one: Tuesday 4th August 10.15am–10.45am Preventing Post Harvest Calcium Disorders in Pome Fruit 1.30pm–5pm: APAL Levy Payers Meeting Prof. Juan Pablo Zoffoli, Catholic University, Chile & Members Forum 10.45am–11.15am Morning Tea 6pm: Tasmania: Explore the Possibilities 11.15am–12.00pm Managing hives for Pome Fruit Pollination Welcome Cocktail Reception Dr. Matthew Goodwin, Plant & Food Research, NZ incorporating Taste of Tasmania 12.00pm–1.00pm Mechanisation on the Horizon - Orchards of the Future day two: Wednesday 5th August Dr’s Rory & Claire Flemmer, Massey University (NZ)

9am–5pm: HortExpo 1.00pm–2.00pm Lunch 7pm: Cherry Isle Tasmania Gala Dinner 2.00pm–3.00pm Sustaining Long Term Profitability in Pome Fruit Production – Our Vision for the Future. day three: Thursday 6th August Travis Allan, Allan Bros, USA 3.00pm–3.30pm Spatial Crop Distribution and Fruit Quality Prof. Matt Whiting, Washington State University, USA Program as detailed on right 3.30pm–4.00pm Afternoon Tea 4.00pm–4.30pm A Time for Change – A Grower’s Perspective Shaun Witchell (Victoria) 4.30pm–5.00pm Future trends in Asian fruit marketing for pome fruit John Hey, Editor, Asia Fruit Magazine

Social Events | Page 5

social events

Tasmania: Explore the Possibilities Welcome Reception Inc Taste of Tasmania - Tuesday 4th August Venue: Hobart City Hall, 26-28 Macquarie Street, Hobart Time: 6pm–7pm Officially Opened by Hon. David Llewellyn @ 6.15pm Dress: Neat Casual Cost: Included in Full Registration OR $ 25.00 per person The Hon. David Llewellyn will officially welcome conference delegates and a wonderful taste sensation awaits you at the Taste of Tasmania Welcome reception. Sample a range of inspiring Tasmanian salmon, oysters, cheese and other delights. As you renew friendships enjoy the Tasmanian wine tasting display or local brewery products.

HortExpo - Wednesday 5th August Venue: Ticehurst, Brown Mountain Road, Campania Time: 9am–5pm Officially opened by Senator Christine Milne @ 9.15am Cost: Included in Full Registration or $85.00 per person (includes coffee bar, snacks, lunch and bus transfers an extra $15.00 per person). The inaugural HortExpo will be the place to be on Wednesday 5th August and will feature over 30 trade exhibitors as well as conference presentations and in-field demonstrations. There will be working farm equipment, packing shed machinery, working demonstrations of a wide host of products and services as well as orchard tours, pruning demonstrations and other workshops. 9.00am–9.45am 2020 Vision for Pomefruit Orchards Craig Hornblow, Agfirst (NZ) Cherry Isle Magical Gala Dinner - Wednesday 5th August 9.45am–10.15am Innovation in Horticulture Ross Lloyd & Andrew Bremner, John Deere Ltd Venue: Federation Ballroom, Hotel Grand Chancellor 10.15am–10.45am Preventing Post Harvest Calcium Disorders Time: 7pm until late in Pome Fruit Prof. Juan Pablo Zoffoli, Catholic University, Chile Dress: Lounge suit/smart casual 10.45am–11.15am Morning Tea Cost: Included in Full Registration OR $110 per person 11.15am–12.00pm Managing hives for Pome Fruit Pollination Enter a world of mystical fun at the Magical Gala Dinner in the Dr. Matthew Goodwin, Plant & Food Research, NZ Federation Ballroom and enjoy a sumptuous dinner once again featuring the very best Tasmanian produce. 12.00pm–1.00pm Mechanisation on the Horizon - After dinner you can rock the night away to the ever popular sounds of Jon and Col. This will be a night to remember… Orchards of the Future Dr’s Rory & Claire Flemmer, Massey University (NZ) CGA 40th Conference Birthday and 1.00pm–2.00pm Lunch Field Trip to Bruny Island - Thursday 6th August 2.00pm–3.00pm Sustaining Long Term Profitability in Pome Fruit Production – Our Vision for the Future. Venue: Lennonville Orchards, Lennon Rd, Bruny Island Travis Allan, Allan Bros, USA Time: Departs Hobart wharf @ 11.00 am 3.00pm–3.30pm Spatial Crop Distribution and Fruit Quality Dress: Casual Prof. Matt Whiting, Washington State University, USA 3.30pm–4.00pm Afternoon Tea Cost: $80.00 per person (not included in Full Conference Registration). Includes boat trip, bus transfers, 4.00pm–4.30pm A Time for Change – A Grower’s Perspective ferry trip and lunch including wine/beer, and tour of Lennonville Orchards. Shaun Witchell (Victoria) Board the luxury Peppermint Bay II catamaran for a scenic cruise down to picturesque Lennonville Orchards on Bruny 4.30pm–5.00pm Future trends in Asian fruit marketing for pome fruit John Hey, Editor, Asia Fruit Magazine Island. Guided tour of the orchards and packhouse followed by a relaxing, celebratory lunch before catching the bus back to Hobart via the Bruny Island Ferry.

Speaker profiles| Page 6 international speaker profiles

Prof Juan Pablo Zoffoli Juan Pablo Zoffoli, obtained the Chilean fruit industry. His work includes the modified atmosphere his Master degree from Oregon State University and the packaging for cherries, kiwifruit and blueberries. The current research work Ph.D. from Catholic University of Chile. He is professor at has been focused to reduce cherry pitting, to develop tools to segregate Catholic University in Chile and he is responsible for graduate storage potential of cherries, kiwifruit, table grapes and sensitivity to scald, and undergraduate postharvest courses. He is in charge of physiological disorder on apple. postharvest research laboratory with strong relations with

Travis Allan Travis Allan resides in the Yakima Valley located in and operated by the Allan family since 1952. In 2007 Travis Central Washington (USA). He is married and has two children. Travis became the General Manager of Orchard Operations graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Business at Yamika Valley Orchards/Allan Bros. Travis has also Management in 2000. graduated from Ag Forestry (2007), is Vice President of He started working in the farming industry in 2003 for Yakima Valley the Yakima Pomological Club and serves on the Tree Fruit Orchards/Allan Bros. Yakima Valley Orchards/Allan Bros has been owned Research Commission subcommittee on apples.

Dr Mark Goodwin Dr Mark Goodwin leads the honey bee research team in New Zealand. At present Mark and his team are conducting research on the varroa bee mite and its control. Their work includes breeding bees that are resistant to varroa and developing a biological control agent. Mark is also New Zealand’s expert in honey bee and artificial pollination, having conducted research on a wide range of crops. Marks team carries out research on crops in both New Zealand and Europe. Mark has expertise in Biosecurity issues, particularly in relation to honey bee pests and diseases.

Craig Hornblow Craig is a well established pipfruit consultant in New orchard systems and new fruit quality assessment technology Zealand with 26 years of horticultural experience. Craig provides advice to and Craig has travelled extensively in the last 6 years small growers through to corporate clients, on issues ranging from financial researching new intensive planting systems. and staff management to the full spectrum of practical growing issues. Craig has had extensive involvement in industry analysis, Craig has significant experience with field research and new variety and including involvement in MAF Policy’s annual Pipfruit Farm product development. Recent projects have focused on mechanisation, new Monitoring analysis for many years, co-authoring (with Ross Wilson) the 2004-2008 National Crop Estimate for Pipfruit NZ.

Kevin Paulin Kevin is a third generation fruit Cherry production has now become their major focus with late maturing varieties grower from Central Otago in NZ. Kevin completed planted in several locations in Central Otago. Recently they have pushed the a Science Degree at Otago University in 1980 and boundaries by planting blocks at higher altitudes to extend the season and also spent several years travelling before returning to the have a 1 hectare block of hydroponic cherries grown in bags. family orchard. This latest venture has proved to very challenging but the ability to move the trees The family farm approximately 90 hectares of orchard around does open up other interesting possibilities when it comes to manipulating (cherries, apricots, nectarines and peaches), and pack an additional 50 harvest dates. hectares of fruit through their Packhouse.

Prof Matthew D. Whiting A Canadian living and solutions to key factors limiting profitable, sustainable tree fruit production. working in the heart of Washington state’s most productive fruit Research has addressed crop load management, fruit set/pollination, novel growing region. high efficiency orchard systems, and incorporating automation/mechanization. Leading Washington State University’s stone fruit physiology Has published over 40 papers in scientific and trade journals and secured over research program for 8 years. $1.5 million grant funding since 2002. Conducts basic and applied research to develop pragmatic Will be spending 7.5 months in Tasmania (August to March) with family.

Dr. Rory C. Flemmer Rory has a BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Natal, South Africa. He spent 20 years in America producing robotic and artificial vision systems for Fortune 500 companies such as Corning, Sony, Bausch and Lomb, Union Carbide, Briggs and Stratton, General Motors and Siemens. He was Bausch and Lomb’s international technical consultant and developed the Nimbl line of robots. (http://www.massey.ac.nz/%7Ercflemme/flemmerrc.php) He currently works on artificial intelligence, artificial vision, automated fruit picking and packing and several other areas.

Dr. Claire Flemmer Claire has a PhD in Mechanical and In 2005 Claire moved to New Zealand and became a Project Engineer for Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University. She spent Fonterra and a lecturer at Massey University with research areas covering the 20 years in America managing industrial automation businesses ecology of the New Zealand dairy industry, artificial intelligence, artificial vision, and acting as a technical consultant to companies such as Bausch automated fruit picking and packing and development of a novel wheel chair. and Lomb. Accommodation, airlines and tourist information | Page 7 accommodation details

Hotel Grand Chancellor (4.5 star) Salamanca Inn (4.5 star) 1 Davey Street, Hobart 10 Gladstone Street, Hobart Rates: $175–$210 Rates: $189–$228 Tel: +61 (3) 6235 4795 Tel: +61 (3) 6223 3300 Fax: +61 (3) 6235 4563 Fax: +61 (3) 6223 7167 www.ghihotels.com www.salamancainn.com.au The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel (4.5 star) Salamanca Terraces (Apartments) (4.5 star) 1 Macquarie Street, Hobart , Hobart Rates: $159–$235 Rates: Contact for FGT special conference rates Tel: +61 (3) 6232 3900 Tel: +61 (3) 1800 814 676 Fax: +61 (3) 6224 0112 Fax: +61 (3) 6234 9954 www.oldwoolstore.com.au Woolmers Inn (4 star) 123 - 127 Sandy Bay Rd, Hobart Henry Jones Art Hotel (5 star) Rates: $138–$168 25 Hunter Street, Hobart Rates: $320 Tel: +61 (3) 6223 7355 www.woolmersinn.com Tel: +61 (3) 6210 7700 www.thehenryjones.com Zero Davey Boutique Apartments (4.5 star) 15 Hunter Street, Hobart Lenna of Hobart (4 star) Rates: $180–$249 Runnymede Street, Battery Point Rates: $159–$235 Tel: +61 (3) 6270 1444 Fax: +61 (3) 6270 1400 Tel: +61 (3) 6232 3900 www.escapesresorts.com.au Fax: +61 (3) 6224 0112 www.lenna.com.au Mantra One Sandy Bay Road (4.5 star) 1 Sandy Bay Road, Hobart Rates: $140–$160 Tel: +61 (3) 6221 6000 www.mantraonesandybayroad.com.au Quest Trinity House (4 star) 149 Brooker Avenue, Hobart Rates: $125–$170 Tel: + 61 (3) 6236 9656 Fax: +61 (3) 6236 9655 www.questtrinityhouse.com.au airlines

Qantas: www.qantas.com.au Jetstar: www.jetstar.com.au Virgin Blue: www.virginblue.com.au Tiger Airlines: www.tigerairways.com.au tourist information www.discovertasmania.com

Fruit Growers Tasmania strongly recommends that delegates book accommodation and flights early to avoid disappointment. Photos courtesy of Hotel Grand Chancellor, Tourism Tasmania, Don Stephens, Kim Rumbold, Garry Moore and Our sponsors | Page 8

Fruit Growers Tasmania acknowledges the generous support from all of our Sponsors:

gala dinner taste of tas

Department of Primary Industries and Water

Department of Economic Development & Tourism

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silver

bronze