Cherry

INDUSTRY ANNUAL REPORT 2011/12

Overview

The cherry industry has faced a number of towards marketing projects. The Australian Strategic objectives key issues in 2011/12, including: market Government provided $639,146 of The process for determining the industry’s access and creating workable export matched funding to support 48 R&D priorities begins with the development protocols; poor fruit quality through projects in the R&D levy program. of the industry’s strategic plan. The adverse weather conditions; and lifting In addition to levy funds, $163,213 of plan guides future R&D and marketing domestic sales through improving the voluntary contributions (VC) was provided investment over a five year period. quality and presentation at retail level. to the industry for supplementing Activities in the 2011/12 period were During 2011/12, the cherry harvest was levy‑funded projects and/or solely funding therefore guided by the Cherry Industry affected by cherry cracking in some VC‑only projects in the R&D and marketing Strategic Plan 2008–2013, which can regions resulting from excessive rainfall programs. VC funds are matched by the be found at www.horticulture.com.au/ events during the later stages of growth. industries/cherry. Australian Government. This is now the second successive year These plans are developed to reflect both of downgraded industry yield. Strategies HAL is responsible for managing these the industry’s priorities and the Australian to reduce the impact of cracking include funds and takes advice on how to invest Government’s rural R&D priorities. The varietal selection, soil and irrigation the funds from the Industry Advisory plans are reviewed regularly. management. Australia is continuing to Committee (IAC). Consultation with the IAC find it difficult to attain openings to new is essential in determining the most critical The industry’s objectives, as outlined in the markets such as China due to constraints investment priorities for the industry. strategic plan, are to: on market access. In 2011/12, Cherry Growers Australia acted 1. Build a competitive supply of quality Levy investment as the service provider on 12 projects. Australian cherries to ensure consumers can confidently purchase consistently The total levy income received for 2011/12 The industry also contributes 2% of levy and/ high quality fresh cherries at retail level was $710,736. The current levy is seven or voluntary contributions (matched to 4%) 2. Facilitate a profitable production sector cents per kilogram (4c/kg for R&D to an across industry program that addresses by increasing demand for Australian and 3c/kg for marketing). A total of issues that affect all of horticulture, such as cherries in line with increasing supply $1,304,291 was invested into Research and water availability, climate change, biosecurity Development (R&D) projects and $251,604 and market access. 3. Ensure the Australian cherry industry has appropriate and sufficient capacity to manage change and industry expansion.

R&D program The 2011/12 R&D program includes 48 new and ongoing projects. 38 of those projects are levy funded, five are funded through voluntary contributions (VC) and five are funded with a combination of levy and VC funds.

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The projects in this report have been funded by HAL using the cherry levy and/or voluntary contributions from industry with matched funding from the Australian Government for all R&D activity. 1 The 2011/12 R&D program has focused on developing workable protocols for Build a competitive supply of quality Australian cherries continuation of exports in Thailand, gaining market access to the emerging to ensure consumers can confidently purchase Chinese market and maintaining access OBJECTIVE 1 consistently high quality cherries at retail level to Taiwan and Japan as well as other underpinning work developing industry biosecurity and export plans. Investment continues in the key area of fruit quality, especially reducing the impact of late Improving stem retention to meet season rainfall through ‘cracking’.

Marketing program quality specifications The 2011/12 cherry marketing program The aim of this project is to enhance the Preliminary data analysis was completed focused on: quality of sweet cherries by understanding and presented at the AFFCO/Victorian • Driving consumption for fresh the poor stem retention in sweet cherries Cherry Association Workshop at Alexandra Australian cherries by increasing observed in recent seasons, and to in March 2011. purchase penetration, frequency and investigate treatments which may help weight mitigate this effect. A scientific poster of the trial proceedings • Promoting the health credentials was prepared by Agrisearch and accepted From information gained in the literature in the program at the Horticultural associated with cherry consumption review and personal communication with Conference in Lorne, Victoria in September. • Encouraging impulse purchase of cherry experts and scientists, test protocols cherries at the point of purchase. were established. In 2009/10, a field In season 2011/12, Agrisearch conducted trial program was conducted to screen three field studies across three climate Based on the consumer research plant growth regulators, which may aid in conducted by industry the profile of zones on the variety Lapins at Yarck, Tatura improving stem retention and other quality and a cool climate site at Tolmie. Australian cherry buyers was collated characteristics. A number of products were including lifestyle attitudes, purchase identified as showing promise in reducing this Data has been collected from the field trials regularity and their associated media problem and improving fruit quality generally. and is being analysed. Improvements in habits and localities. fruit firmness, size, stem pull force and stem In the 2010/11 season, six field studies were In addition, a comprehensive category colour have been measured. conducted by Agrisearch Pty Ltd across overview was undertaken for cherries three climate zones in Victoria to further which entailed an analysis of homescan Les Mitchell from Agrisearch presented evaluate products that showed promise in data and sought to build on the principle information learned from the project at the the previous season, as well as investigating of ‘growing the cherry pie’ (selling more Fruit Growers Tasmania Conference in May the inclusion of products that might provide cherries across the whole industry). of this year. an additive or synergistic benefit. A summary of the cherry marketing levy Project CY08003 Field trials were carried at Tatura on the activities for 2011/12 includes: varieties Bing and Lapins, at Yarck on Van For more information contact: • Public Relations through Crossman and Lapins and at Silvan on Ulster and Ken Gaudion, Victorian Cherry Association Communications Lapins. At Yarck, the Van trial was destroyed T 03 5825 3700 • Public Relations Ambassador by hail and could not be harvested. E [email protected] • State specific promotions activities • Collaborative promotions with supermarkets • Involvement in Australia Fresh™.

Conclusion This report provides a snapshot of project activities in the 2011/12 year. The report’s sections are divided by the industry’s objectives to reflect the activities being undertaken that address these industry issues.

For more information contact: Stuart Burgess, HAL T 0417 536 300 E [email protected] 2 Improving cold treatment for Q-fly

Queensland fruit fly (Q‑fly) is a major and hence reduced the time in cold The necessity of finding alternate practical quarantine pest for many Australian cherry disinfestation. In addition, this treatment and cost‑effective disinfestation treatments producers, particularly as treatment to did not significantly affect fruit quality after for market access of Australian cherries combat infestation can often affect fruit treatment and storage. requires more research and adoption of quality and marketing flexibility. results. The use of alternative treatments, which This project examined a range of combined different cold and ‘safe’ Project CY09006 postharvest disinfestation treatments fumigants, were trialled and showed some For more information contact: against Q‑fly in cherries. A short‑term promise such as the possible the use of Dr John Golding, NSW DPI postharvest, high carbon dioxide (CO2) Vapormate™ (active ingredient, ethyl T 02 4348 1926 treatment in combination with cold formate). Vapormate™ is a fumigation E [email protected] treatment was shown to consistently treatment that is already registered in increase the mortality of Q‑fly larvae Australia for use in horticulture.

Preparing for cold and fumigation treatment. The cherries which have been infested with Q-fly larvae are treated with cold and a fumigation Infesting cherry fruit with Q-fly for disinfestation treatment in drums

Managing European earwigs with pheromones

This three‑year project aims to according to cherry variety. Analysis of understand the impact of earwigs in this data is ongoing. cherry and pome fruit orchards and to Field testing of putative pheromone manipulate earwig numbers by identifying components emitted by earwigs has the aggregation pheromone used by been completed. Two compound blends earwigs. provided significant increases in the It was hypothesised that tighter fruit earwig trap catches. These compounds bunches provide earwigs with more are known pheromone components and shelter and that earwig damage occurs are consistently emitted during earwig while they shelter within the bunched aggregation. Laboratory testing of these fruit. Experiments were performed in compounds is ongoing. Tasmania and NSW during the 2011/12 Project MT09006 season on varieties including Ron’s For more information contact: Seedling and Lapin. Preliminary analysis Dr Geoff Allen, TIA has shown that cherry varieties differ in T 03 6226 2732 their susceptibility to earwig damage, E [email protected] often irrespective of bunch size, and

that different types of damage can occur 3 Improving quality and consistency

The second season of this project surveyed cherry fruit quality in the retail environment from November 2011 to February 2012 and examined ways to improve fruit quality.

A weekly survey was conducted in four stores – two independent stores in Adelaide and two supermarkets on the NSW Central Coast. Adelaide stores were selected to overlap with the concurrent ReTail Activation study.

Although 11% of all the fruit was unacceptable, there was a significant improvement in fruit quality and fruit flavour as the season progressed. The 2011/12 season was particularly difficult for some growers due to substantial rains in most growing areas, especially in NSW where rain caused significant damage. As with the 2010/11 season, the main reasons Measuring fruit firmness for the unacceptable fruit were pitting, bruising and rots. These quality issues some significant defects may occur during to quantify and improve the fruit quality, accounted for over 75% of all defects in the the packing process, which express during but these results will be presented and 2011/12 season. storage. discussed with industry and retailers to improve the quality of cherries on the retail A range of other studies also examined In order to address these fruit quality shelf. issues, fruit were carefully sampled from stem browning and the retail display all points along the supply chain from the environment. These studies showed that Project CY10012 tree to the packed box with the aim of both the packaging type and the storage For more information contact: identifying the causes of pitting, bruising, environment (including temperature, Dr John Golding, NSW DPI rots and stem damage that are responsible relative humidity of the display) affected T 02 4348 1926 for downgrading fruit quality. Results show stem browning. More work is required E [email protected]

Negative effects of global warming on cherry dormancy Australia’s mild climate, the late flowering development was due to insufficient nature and the low fruit set of ‘Kordia’ levels of stored nutrients due to active sweet cherry indicates a high winter bud development in Autumn compared chill is required for normal growth. The to other cultivars. effect of global warming could therefore decline productivity further, making it an Postharvest tree nutrition to improve excellent cultivar for studying potential levels of stored nutrients and global warming impacts on sweet cherry preflowering Ethrel® application to productivity. reduce the flower demand for released nutrients in spring both increased fruit ‘Kordia’ cherries in two orchards in the set. Conversely, bud break materials that Huon Valley of Tasmania were studied increased the flower demand for released over the winter of 2010, and at one site nutrients, while they advanced flowering, management practices with potential to reduced fruit set and yield. improve productivity were applied and their effect on yield measured. Project CY09012 Its late flowering, despite early flower For more information contact: Measuring the retail storage environment bud activity, implies that flower Dr Gordon Brown, Scientific Horticulture development in late spring was extremely T 03 6239 6411 slow. It is suspected that this slow flower E [email protected] 4 Optimising cherry fruit set, crop load, Cherry export fruit nutrition and size manual

A joint initiative between Washington • Crop load of around 15 tonnes per The Cherry Export Manual provides State University (WSU) and the Tasmanian hectare was ideal for maximising fruit export guidelines for Tasmania, Institute of Agriculture (TIA) at the size, sugar and firmness in Van and Victoria, NSW, SA and WA. It also University of Tasmania is studying the Sweetheart. incorporates practical production following key areas to achieve fruit quality: • Cracking was around 60% of fruit at requirements to meet export and • Fruit set 10–15 tonnes per hectare but only quality assurance regulations of around 40% at 20t/ha pesticide application and minor use • Crop load management permits. • Fruit size (and tree carbohydrate • Fruit size reserves) was larger when thinned at The 2011 manual was developed • Fruit nutrient matrix. dormancy or full bloom compared to based on a review of the previous two, four or six weeks after full bloom. Trials are being run in parallel in edition in consultation with AQIS, Biosecurity Australia, state quarantine Washington State and Tasmania to hasten • Apical buds (in a spur) yielded better authorities and the Departments of research progress through two seasons in quality fruit than basal buds in Van but Primary Industry in each state. a calendar year. Trials were set up in the not Sweetheart. upper (Reid Fruits at Plenty) and lower • Fruit nutrition matrix varied greatly Maximum residue levels were reviewed (Cherries Tasmania at Old Beach) Derwent across seven orchards – fruit zinc and and the limit guide updated together Valley and Huon Valley (Hansen Orchards). manganese levels were weakly positively with the preharvest interval guide. • Flowering time did not affect fruit correlated with firmness at harvest, Spray guides were reviewed and quality in Simone, Van or Sweetheart in and colour was negatively correlated updated as required for export markets Tasmania, although in some instances of with fruit nitrogen, zinc and manganese including Taiwan, Korea, United high crop load in Washington State, fruit levels. Kingdom, European Union, USA and from early flowers was better quality. Japan. Input on the spray guides was Project CY10002 sought from other experts as required. • Around 75% of fruit set over a four‑day For more information contact: window (variety specific). The permit list was also updated. Dr Dugald Close, Tasmanian Institute of Compliance matters, including • Results of AVG and CPA application Agriculture the various protocols required by (at 20 and 80% of full bloom) to improve T 03 6226 2776 importing countries, product labelling fruit set yielded no clear results. E [email protected] regulations and state registration requirements were taken into consideration.

The 2011 edition was distributed in August 2011 to all levy payers, the Departments of Primary Industry, TIA, AQIS, agronomists and other relevant groups. The manual has become an essential tool in maintaining grower preparedness for export markets and export market opportunities.

Project CY10017 For more information contact: Nick Featherstone, Fruit Growers Tasmania T 0408 285 965 E [email protected]

Dr Erik Smith from Washington State University Honours student measuring firmness with and Hawa Puniran, TIA technician, sampling crop the Guss fruit flesh texture analyser on fruit load trials sampled for the nutrient matrix study 5 Data packages for new fruit fly control technology

A project is generating data to support Ecology and preharvest control of National fruit fly strategy – BCA for the further development of a new insect fruit flies for market access the Australian horticulture industry control technology using lufenuron as a chemosterilant against pest fruit flies in With the regulatory withdrawal of Plant Health Australia (PHA) have Australia. Used strategically, this technology dimethoate and anticipated withdrawal of commissioned the Australian Bureau of has the potential to suppress fruit fly fenthion, fruit flies pose a major threat for Agricultural and Resource Economics and populations in endemic areas and may also production and market access for cherries Sciences (ABARES) to prepare a Business Cost be applied to establish and maintain areas and other commodities. Management of Analysis (BCA), including a beneficiary of low pest prevalence. The technology fruit fly in the medium and longer term analysis against the proposed implementation is already used against Mediterranean will rely on targeting ‘weak points’ in the plan for the National Fruit Fly Strategy. biology of the fly. fruit fly in Europe as part of their insect ABARES produced a draft BCA in late management system. This project is identifying and researching December 2011, and PHA and the Office Experimental studies to date have such weak points, particularly fruit fly of the Chief Plant Protection Officer demonstrated that a formulated lufenuron control using protein bait spray and the have been liaising with ABARES to bait station was highly effective in causing male annihilation technique (MAT). Fly ensure impacts on trade (both domestic egg sterility and larval mortality of response to protein is very weak and that and international) and the accurate Queensland fruit fly under controlled field protein needs to be applied to the upper identification of beneficiaries has been conditions. The male flies that were fed canopy of fruiting trees for maximum taken into account. the lufenuron bait were significantly more effectiveness. Flies respond more strongly to protein and MAT devices when humidity PHA is working with ABARES to ensure successful in mating with female flies than ABARES documents the rationale around untreated, protein‑deprived males. is high. In hot dry periods, flies appear to shelter in heavy canopies of both crop and its assumptions so it can be understood These findings provide a scientific basis for non‑crop plants and are more difficult to by non‑economists. An explanation of expanded field trials with the bait station control using these approaches. ‘public good’ has been sought so all to control fruit flies in orchards with natural parties appreciate what is included and fruit fly populations. The current project is nearing completion what is not included in public good. This and final results are being analysed. It is is critical for the beneficiary analysis. PHA Project MT08035 anticipated more work in this area will also asked ABARES to produce some For more information contact: be undertaken as part of ongoing work example scenarios to explain issues within Dr Hainan Gu, DAFF Qld developing systems approaches for fruit fly. the document. The revised document is T 07 3255 4478 expected in late April and discussions on Project MT08036 E [email protected] how the document can be circulated to key For more information contact: industry and government stakeholders prior Mr Anthony Clarke, CRC For National Plant to the formal release of the document by Biosecurity ABARES have been initiated. T 07 3864 5023 E [email protected] Project MT09099 For more information contact: Rodney Turner, Plant Health Australia T 02 6260 4322 E [email protected]

Australian cherry production manual

By world standards, the Australian cherry No matter when growers entered the 700 print copies of the manual were industry is a small producer of cherries business of growing, harvesting and published and sent to each levy payer (1% of world production – 12,000 to marketing cherries, the one constant has and other key organisations. 250 15,000 tonnes) but the opportunities for been the desire to learn more about their CDs were also produced and a PDF growth in production and productivity industry. uploaded to the CGA website, exists. www.cherrygrowers.org.au The new edition of the Australian Cherry Over the years, Australian growers Production Guide is an up‑to‑date and Project CY11015 have been inventive and innovative, at practical guide for past, current and future Simon Boughey, CGA times being quick to take up new ideas, cherry growers to understand and improve T 03 6231 1229 research and varieties and at other times their industry. E [email protected] they have been world leaders in their industry. 6 Cultivar selection: chilling and climate change

Forecasting future chilling conditions across of chill requirements for different cultivars, important Australian cherry production a ‘chill portion calculator’ and another T state areas will help growers and industry to spreadsheet that calculates the likelihood plan for suitable varieties and incorporate of achieving any chill thresholds on site in potential chill restrictions as part of current and future years. T = T = management strategies. The spreadsheets will offer growers a Global warming of 2°C is expected to be consistent methodology to measure chill and ultimately may help to more clearly reached by approximately 2040 and results Intermediate define chill thresholds for different cultivars have showed that this level of warming will and their suitability at different locations. negatively affect reliable chill exposure in every growing region investigated. The Establishing baseline chill threshold data ∑ Intermediate ≥ threshold project’s report includes an initial grouping and research on climate change adaptation

Chill portion

Representation of key aspects of the Dynamic model, for hourly temperatures, T (°K).

strategies such as low chill rootstocks, providing artificial chill though evaporative cooling and the use of dormancy breakers is needed.

Project CY11010 For more information contact: Charlotte Brunt, YV fresh T 0420 284 439 E [email protected] Budbreak on different rootstocks

Advances in Australian cherry breeding The current breeding project is Several rain events over harvest provided good levels of rain cracking resistance. developing large, well‑adapted cherry an excellent opportunity to gather good Overall, fruit firmness was also good varieties with improved rain cracking information on the relative rain cracking and this is actively monitored using a resistance for Australian cherry growers. susceptibility and general robustness of Firmtech2 device. lines within the breeding program. This season, good early winter chill Five new advanced breeding lines will was negated by several later warm In 2011, the breeding program contained be added to National evaluation network periods culminating in average chill unit 5,500 different genotypes, with 850 field trial sites this winter, building on the recordings overall. Visual assessment of cropping. Of the cropping trees, 31 were fifteen in 2009 and two in 2010. All the trees indicated reduced effectiveness of considered promising and a further 120 new additions are impressive, very firm the chill accumulated leading to lighter of sufficient standard to require further dark cherries showing good levels of rain spasmodic bloom and reduced crops, evaluation. In winter, 790 genetically crack resistance. inferior trees will be removed based on the particularly in early varieties. Climate The future looks bright for the release of previous season’s results to focus on those change and the increasing frequency of new varieties with reduced rain cracking with greater potential. warm periods during winter and early susceptibility in the near future. spring have the potential to greatly All promising lines have been grafted reduce the effectiveness of accumulated Project CY11016 for further evaluation on Mazzard F12‑1 chill and severely affect the performance rootstock. For more information contact: of some varieties. Varieties bred and Darren Graetz, SARDI evaluated in higher chill regions are most Solid progress was made this season with T 08 8303 9362 likely to be adversely affected. many quality fruit lines identified displaying E [email protected] 7 Market access of cherries based on Improving non-host status to Q-fly marketable yield This project included three studies fence when compared with non‑fenced identifying Queensland fruit fly (Q‑fly) trees. The complete covering gave 100% of premium infestation of cherries. control, although feijoa maturity was delayed by the cover. In areas of lower Ability of Q-fly to infest cherries in fruit fly populations, such as Young, quality cherries Young, NSW where the walls of existing hail netting could be used to enclose orchards, there The most promising outcomes from Adult lab‑reared Q‑flies were presented to may be a beneficial effect but it appears previous seasons (crop load, spraying caged harvest ripe ‘Summit’ cherries whilst unlikely unless in combination with baiting and pruning) were prioritised and built still on the tree in December 2011. Five or similar. It is planned to test this with into the experimental design. The cages, each with 11 to 13 female flies and commercial protein baits in the 2012 season. major trial combined these factors, about 50 fruit were set up. Temperatures involving a large number of trees were monitored every 15 minutes. Sugar floatation to rapidly in order to assess the interactions Daytime temperatures ranged from 17°C demonstrate freedom from fruit fly between individual treatments, and to 26°C inside these cages. Fruit flies infestation to determine if combinations of treatments could be more effective than became sexually mature and were able to This method is an end‑point demonstration individual treatments. Another large infest cherries successfully during this time. used in the US for cherries and berries. All trial investigating pruning strategies If there are sufficient flies in the orchard Q‑fly eggs and larvae infesting fruit can be in more depth was also undertaken, during these temperatures, they would rapidly separated from fruit pulp following as well as further trials looking at top infest harvest‑ready ripe cherries. The a standard procedure. This could be used pruning of extension growth with a experiment will be repeated earlier in the as part of a systems approach for market cutter bar late in the season. harvest next season to be correlated with access of Australian cherries. A standard trapping and temperature data. operating procedure is being set up for Trials occurred on three commercial possible use in the future. orchards in Tasmania – Bushy Park, Physical barriers to Q-fly Huonville and Old Beach, and involved Project CY11022 Feijoa trees at Gosford were surrounded six different varieties. All trials received by 3m high fences of 50% shade cloth For more information contact: rainfall in the three weeks prior to (white or green) or completely covered with Andrew Jessup harvest, except the irrigation trial. green 50% shade cloth or left completely T 02 4348 1965 E [email protected] Along with a determination of cracking uncovered and unfenced. levels, fruit quality from all trials was assessed. This project shows that The fence, whether white or green, had it is possible to increase fruit yield no effect on fruit fly infestations inside the through practical orchard management techniques which reduce cracking. Furthermore, it shows that this increased yield does not necessarily mean a reduction in quality. Most treatments seem to show little impact on fruit quality – in fact in some cases, treatments have had a positive effect. Therefore, reduced cracking levels and maintained fruit quality can improve marketable yield of cherries.

Results from this season are currently being analysed and are due for completion by the end of June. Results from all seasons of the project will be considered in relation to seasonal climates.

Project CY09002 For more information contact: Penny Measham T 0437 454 622 E [email protected] 8 Facilitate a profitable production sector by increasing demand for Australian cherries in line with increasing supply

OBJECTIVE 2

www.australiancherries.com.au Jessica Watson Marketing program 2011/12 Cherries Ambassador

The cherry industry’s long‑term vision • National category management across is to increase the consumption of fresh the chain stores and the independent Australian cherries by encouraging the green grocer channel (R&D funding). impulse purchase of the fruit and by A comprehensive media package was promoting the health credentials of cherries. developed, including fresh looking images The industry launched its new campaign of Jessica Watson, vibrant and tantalising ’Cherish the Moment’ in the 2011/12 recipes to promote the versatility of season, enlisting a new brand ambassador, cherries, the Australian cherry report, the young Australian yachting sensation, developed by the industry’s nutritionist Jessica Watson, who has a broad appeal ambassador, Kathleen Alleaume, from across different demographics. the 2010/11 season to outline the healthy benefits associated with cherry To maximise the industry’s levy investment, consumption and industry information. R&D levy funding was used in the marketing program, where relevant. The A media launch event was held 2011/12 marketing campaign included: at Sydney’s Cruising Yacht Club in Rushcutters Bay to introduce Jessica • The launch of the new branding and as the industry’s ambassador, build www.cherries.com.au ‘Cherish the Moment’ slogan awareness around the campaign and to Jess Watson – Cherries Ambassador • Enlisting a high profile industry generate media excitement in Australian ambassador, Jessica Watson cherries. The event was extremely well attended and had representation across newspapers, magazines, nationally and • An integrated public relations (PR) not only traditional food media, but regionally syndicated outlets and online. program there was keen interest from mainstream For 10 weeks during the Australian • Retailer collaborative activities lifestyle, dailies, consumer and business summer, a merchandising team visited publications. The choice of having Jessica • State promotions around 160 stores across Woolworths, Watson as the industry’s spokesperson Coles, IGA and the independent green • Consumer research, benchmarking and proved to be a success in attracting grocers nationally each week. This marketing program evaluation (R&D the media, generating a more than funding) significant amount of interest in cherries. team proved when the fruit is properly The campaign continued with a strong handled, wastage is reduced, the quality emphasis on media engagement in of fruit goes up and turnover increases, strengthening the value perceptions of contributing to improved profitability. cherries and to prevent negative publicity. This is especially crucial to cherries as they are largely an impulse buy and the Some of the media highlights included: buying decision is mostly made at the • A dedicated 10‑minute section on point of purchase. Channel Nine’s national Weekend The latest consumer research revealed Today show outlining the health that: benefits associated with cherries and the excellent season forecast • Cherries are largely an impulse buy. • A cooking segment on Channel 10’s • Consumers associate cherries with The Circle with Maggie Beer making a stonefruit. Cherry Fool • The key drivers for purchasing cherries • Season launch stories on television are quality and price, followed by the news bulletins across key growing areas firmness of cherries, whether the fruit • Ambassador profiles and health‑related is blemish‑free and the colour of cherry mentions in key consumer titles. cherries. • The way cherries are displayed also The PR campaign achieved great has an impact on the consumer. success in terms of the reach, range and depth of coverage across all different • Cherries are largely consumed fresh Jess Watson Eats Cherries media including mainstream TV, radio, (86%), however nearly seven in 10 9 consumers have indicated they also include cherries in fruit salad and around four in 10 consumer have suggested Developing and maintaining market that they have cherries for breakfast. Additional usage options should help drive purchase frequency leading to access for Australian cherries further consumption. Market access, market maintenance, and new ones we need to continue to • Consumers have low awareness of biosecurity preparedness and push for, such as Thailand, Korea and the origin of cherries. However, most maintenance of disease and pest free Japan. consumers buy cherries in summer while areas (project CY11014) are the highest the Australian fruit is in season and they The Australian cherry industry needs priority within the Australian cherry tend not to buy cherries during winter to show that it is free of specific pests industry. A regular and ongoing focus when the US fruit is in season. and diseases that are of concern to our by CGA and other key stakeholders in trading partners and must also continue • Locally sourced cherries, better the industry is needed to ensure new to ensure that the industry is ready for an understanding of the health benefits of market access and maintain all existing outbreak of an exotic plant pest, if it were cherries and attractive cherry displays overseas markets, which is currently to occur. If the industry is not prepared, have been identified as drivers that about 30 countries. would encourage consumers to buy it will fail to fulfil its responsibilities and more of the fruit. Visits within Australia and overseas leave the growers vulnerable to market to participate in government and failure and closure. • People who currently do not buy industry meetings to achieve market cherries have indicated reasons for not A new three‑year project will commence buying are centred around price, quality access or ensuring market maintenance in 2012/13 (CY12007) to carry on this and value perceptions. have occured. The project also assists work, linked to the Export Roadmap with visits to Australia such as the that is part of the new five‑year Strategic • Supermarkets continue to be the China‑Australia Horticultural forum in Investment Plan (see CY11011 and preferred purchasing channel. Melbourne in April 2011 and AQSIQ CY11013). • Generally speaking, consumers have in November 2011, that ensure we a very low level of awareness of any gain access to the Chinese market in Project CY11017 fruit advertising (less than 10%). When 2012/13. For more information contact: the research was done in March 2012, Simon Boughey, CGA This project gives CGA and state bodies Apples and Avocados were rated as the T 03 6231 1229 highest recalled. the required resources and capacity E [email protected] to build on and expand the activities • The availability of point of sale material across all markets we currently access at the retail level would increase the exposure of the cherry brand. • Consumers have indicated a strong liking towards the newly developed ‘Australian Cherries’ brand. CGA Annual Conference 2011 • Regular cherry buyers are more inclined The national annual conferences for • Content was specifically aimed at to be female buyers aged 35+. apple and pear and cherry growers growers. were held simultaneously in Adelaide in • The program was kept tight so Based on the season’s data review, an August 2011. The conferences included that time away from the orchard or additional of 226,800 Australian households the Annual Levy Payers Meeting, business was minimised. (there are around 8.1 million Australian Members Forum, formal conference households in total) bought cherries over • The large number of exhibitors proceedings, HortExpo (incorporating the Australian summer comparing to the allowed growers to access many trade displays) and networking events. season prior. relevant trade exhibitions in one place. The theme of the conferences, ‘Growing Project CY11500 • Conferences are held bi‑annually, smarter, growing stronger’ emphasised which seems to suit growers better For more information contact: practical and applied research, grower than having a conference every year. Elisa Tseng, HAL case studies and experiences, and T 02 8295 2341 practical demonstrations. Project CY10703 E [email protected] For more information contact: The conferences were well attended Nick Featherstone, Fruit Growers Tasmania with a high participation from the T 03 6231 1944 growers. The contributing factors may E [email protected] have been: • Combining two conferences minimised the time and expenses of attendees who would normally go to both. 10 Expanding cherry exports for NSW by attending Asia Fruit Logistica 2011

The mainland cherry industry produces To reach full potential to export cherries to approximately 75% of Australia’s cherries the Asian market, areas that need further and NSW is a major producer of these. investment are: A large volume of cherries is produced in • A suitable air freight protocol for a short time, so domestic market failure Australia’s three main markets from oversupply can occur in December. • The development of a cherry matrix to Growers attended Asia Fruit Logistica see that the right cherries get to the 2011 and market visits throughout Hong right market Kong and China, providing an opportunity • The development of an Australian to re‑acquaint with former trading export standard partners, meet potential new trading partners and see the changes that have • Encouraging the development of export taken place in these markets. standard varieties.

The main enquires for mainland Australian Project CY11005 cherries came from mainland China, For more information contact: Taiwan and Thailand, which have been the Joanne Wells, NSW CGA largest buyers of Australian cherries and T 02 6384 3285 offer the greatest potential. E [email protected]

Hong Kong Asia Fruit Logistica Guangzhou Fruit 2011 Hong Kong markets

Category management program 2011/12

This project aimed to address quality on cherry handling and storage to raise the • Use program findings to implement issues of Australian cherries, which quality and therefore minimise wastage of best practice and build a business are largely an impulse buy. Based on Australian cherries. case to demonstrate that category findings from consumer research, 70% management does have a positive of consumers currently buy the fruit at The objectives of the program were to: impact on volume sales and the point of purchase. Two key factors • Improve and maintain the quality of profitability influencing consumers buying cherries cherries through store‑level education • Assess what training tools are required are quality and price. When the • Collect meaningful and measurable by retailers, e.g. colour guide, varietal quality of the fruit is high, Australian data to be used to understand key chart cherries turn over quickly and price is issues, identify trends and opportunities based on the consumers’ perceptions • Assess the effectiveness and around fruit quality and handling and of value. requirements of POS in store. the effectiveness of point‑of‑sale (POS) The Australian cherry industry materials: The category management program conducted a category management delivered tangible returns to industry – Fruit placement in store program over a 10‑week period during improving the quality of the Australian the 2010/11 Australian cherry season. – Fruit colour, size and consistency cherries at retail to improve profitability. – Price monitoring The industry identified the need to Project CY11024 conduct a field program that would – Implement best practice (refrigerate For more information contact: provide an opportunity to influence fruit, maintain quality and extend Elisa Tseng, HAL and educate key store personnel across shelf life and reduce shrinkage/ T 02 8295 2341 the grocery and green grocer channels wastage. E [email protected] 11 Ensure the Australian cherry industry has appropriate and sufficient capacity to manage change and industry expansion

OBJECTIVE 3

Consumer research Biosecurity The Australian cherry industry needs • 75% of buyers normally eat cherries to develop a baseline for the annual predominantly on their own. 12% add preparedness consumption and consumer awareness and them to a fruit salad in breakfast meals, A regular and ongoing focus on perception of cherries across Australia and providing an opportunity to promote gaining new market access and to develop a new branding and marketing different usage occasions. maintaining all existing markets is campaign for the 2011/12 season and the • Awareness and understanding of the crucial. A key component for this is to next few years. difference between US cherries and ensure all biosecurity processes are in Sprout Research in Brisbane carried out Australian cherries is low and confused, place. online surveys of Australian consumers so promotion of the availability of local This project gives CGA and the state in May 2011. The questionnaire took cherries should drive purchase. bodies the required resources and approximately 10–15 minutes. The sample • Awareness of any cherry marketing capacity to build on and expand size of 1,200 respondents were from activity is very low (less than 3%). biosecurity preparedness activities that Brisbane (200), Sydney (300), Melbourne will benefit future options for market (300), Perth (150), Adelaide (150) and From these results, the Australian cherry access and market maintenance and Hobart (100). industry adopted a new slogan, ‘Cherish the moment’, with a tag line of ‘The ensure the industry is well equipped The key findings were: Australian Cherry Season Lasts Just for biosecurity issues that might arise. 100 Days’. A new logo was created and • Three in four people (74.2%) usually buy The recent release of the updated Jessica Watson was signed up as the new cherries. Industry biosecurity plan for the cherry Cherry ambassador (see page 9 for more industry and the Orchard biosecurity • Cherries are considered closer to a stone information). fruit than a berry. manual for the cherry industry by Plant A new three‑year consumer research Health Australia and CGA in August • The biggest barriers are price and project will follow on from this initial project 2011 provides a great basis for work quality, so an opportunity exists to look to track progress. to be carried out in cherry production for ways to improve perceived value areas across Australia. without cutting price. Project CY10026 The industry must continue to ensure • Most decisions to buy cherries occur at For more information contact: that it is prepared for an outbreak of an point of purchase (70%). Simon Boughey, CGA exotic plant pest and show our trading T 03 6231 1229 • Supermarket and green grocers are the partners that it is free of specific pests E [email protected] main purchase channels. Farmgate is and diseases that are of concern. If less than 10%, except in Tasmania. industry is not prepared, it will fail to fulfil its responsibilities and leave growers vulnerable to market failure and closure.

A new three‑year project will continue to implement the Cherry industry orchard biosecurity plan at a grower level as required under the Emergency plant pest response deed and the Cherry industry biosecurity plan.

Project CY11014 For more information contact: Simon Boughey, CGA T 03 6231 1229 E [email protected]

12 Improving communication in the Victorian industry

A variety of communication is being used The e‑newsletter’s circulation has now Victorian cherry growers with the End by the Victorian Cherry Association (VCA) surpassed the circulation of hard copies. of Season Review always attracting the to help Victorian growers keep abreast of most attendees and the most discussion. rapidly changing technologies in cherry Website With this in mind, the VCA trialled a two‑day Victorian conference in March to production. The VCA website, www.cherries.org.au, incorporate the review, workshops, guest continues to have a mix of information speakers and on‑farm demonstrations. Newsletters for consumers and growers that includes Print newsletters evolved into a more VCA information and history, consumer The conference exceeded expectations frequent e‑newsletter during harvest as information, orchard management etc. The with over 100 attendees despite some of there was a need and demand to provide website continues to evolve. the worst floods in living memory occurring growers with immediate information on in the north east of Victoria during both Daily traffic to the website and email traffic and responses to market prices, climatic days of the conference. The floods did from the website increases during the conditions and other issues that affected hamper a few growers from the north harvest season. harvest. attending and also made the orchard tour of Wandin Valley muddy and plans needing This was most evident and crucial during On-farm demonstrations, to be hastily changed, however, growers the damaging rains and floods that caused workshops, seminars and orchard are used to dealing with adverse climatic havoc on the majority of cherry orchards walks conditions and the conference was very throughout Victoria in the 2011 season, successful despite the weather. The ability to demonstrate best practice where nearly all Victorian growers suffered in orchard management by on‑farm substantial losses. The e‑newsletter Gauging from evaluation data, growers demonstrations has been instrumental was able to quickly get information out gained a lot from speakers, particularly in initiating and implementing change the key note speaker, John Warmerdam, to growers regarding managing the on orchard. Orchard walks and outdoor a grower, packer and marketer from situation in the orchard as well as updates demonstrations have been hands‑on for California. John spoke about the similarities on available financial assistance. The growers to see benefits in changing their in climate conditions, growing cherries in a newsletter was also a vehicle in retrieving orchard practices. warmer climate and what varieties are best crop damage estimates from growers suited to these conditions, early season and this information was provided to Workshops, seminars and orchard walks varieties and rootstocks, packaging trends, Government agencies, CGA and HAL. have always been well attended by marketing, market access, fruit fly and fumigation. He did a further presentation on monitoring, using chill units and the benefits and potential pitfalls of Dormex CGA strategic investment plan and research application. framework 2012–2017 Project CY11004 For more information contact: As part of reviewing its Strategic • Industry R&D framework/investment Kath Boast, Victorian Cherry Association Investment Plan (SIP), the industry plan T 03 5825 3700 has a key component to develop • Strategic marketing plan/investment E [email protected] a more robust research framework plan in collaboration with HAL and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, who • Export roadmap are the lead agency for cherry research • Industry communications and under the new National Horticultural extension plan. Research Network. These plans will be managed by CGA The framework will allow for a better and HAL and will assist the industry in approach to research to take the directing its efforts and achieving the industry forward through to 2020 and overall outcomes of the SIP. link to future calls for research projects using both levy funds and voluntary Project CY11013 contributions. For more information contact: Simon Boughey, CGA This project will allow for all the key T 03 6231 1229 players such as HAL, the Tasmanian E [email protected] Institute of Agriculture , growers and others in the cherry Industry to have input into the new framework and will also complement the other components of the new SIP, which are: 13 Combined IDO for Developing communications, CGA and FGT engagement and capacity across the One Industry Development Officer industry (IDO) supports the cherry, apple and pear and summerfruit industries. With the cherry industry continuing to • Upgrading the industry website and Working with Cherry Growers Australia expand and develop, CGA needs to maintaining the national database in (CGA) and Fruit Growers Tasmania provide ongoing communications that cooperation with the state associations (FGT), the IDO helps to effectively provide access to the most up‑to‑date achieve research, development and • Refining communication pathways information on cherry production here extension activities. National benefits to state associations to improve and of the IDO role include commitment and overseas. It also needs to provide optimise industry development needs to issues such as market maintenance, opportunities for engagement and and assist in putting on training and access and development. capacity building development to ensure field days relevant to grower needs and that growers are at the ‘leading edge’ education At the state level, benefits to of technology and information and have • Developing a new national newsletter Tasmanian growers include assistance the capacity to grow to meet industry and other specific mailouts to and co‑ordination of export demands. registrations and MRL samples, plus communicate all information to growers facilitation of information to growers CGA aims to ensure this by: • Working with state associations on via newsletter articles, seminars and • Identifying topics of interest, effective developing their capability to work conferences. delivery methods and timelines for with their state’s growers and other key stakeholders so they can adapt to Key activities for the 2011/12 financial extension‑style activities change and a growing industry. year include: • Promoting effective planning, • Annual review of the Cherry communications, extension and Project CY11018 export manual, including review adoption relating to R&D and marketing Simon Boughey, CGA and updating of MRLs, export projects T 03 6231 1229 withholding periods, spray guides, • Creating an evaluation feedback system E [email protected] protocols and applying for APVMA so that CGA better understands which permits pathways influence growers most • Review and update of the IPM effectively calendar for cherries • Co‑ordination and collection of stone and pome fruit samples for MRL testing • Co‑ordination of export registrations for Tasmanian stone and pome fruit growers • Conducting food irradiation trials as a potential means of disinfestation and extending shelf life • Assistance with running various information seminars • Desktop research on alternatives to fumigating apples.

Project MT07058 For more information contact: Nick Featherstone, Fruit Growers Tasmania T 0408 285 965 E [email protected]

14 Export-import market intelligence Cherry industry Since Australia is a small player in the Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand were the global fresh produce market, gathering top 3 market destinations accounting for research plan reliable market intelligence is vital for 62% of the exported volume in 2011. Chile setting realistic market access and and New Zealand were Australia’s main 2011–2014 development objectives and understanding competitors for cherries. Overall, Australian the growth opportunities and competitive cherries accounted for 2.3% of some The Cherry Industry Research Plan aims environment in which the cherry industry is 60,000 metric tonnes of cherries imported to institute a levy funded evaluation program that will provide the industry operating in outside Australia. by Asian markets in 2010. with the ability to assess its levy This project gathers export and import The project delivers six reports each year in investment in addressing the industry’s trade statistics from both Australian and addition to ad‑hoc analysis when needed strategic objectives. international sources and analyses the data by industry leaders. The project concluded in June 2012 and a new revised project is This project is to be carried out in providing critical trade information for planned from July 2012 to deliver on going three stages, coinciding with the industry leaders to monitor the industry’s analysis. corresponding cherry seasons, using position against development objectives a combination of qualitative and relative to competitors and other industry Project MT10022 quantitative research methodologies: trends. This analysis includes: monitoring of For more information contact: volume, value and dollars per kilogram by • The first stage in 2012 is using Wayne Prowse, Fresh Intelligence Consulting a national phone survey and an market; and annual, monthly and T 0408 164 966 online survey designed to ascertain season‑to‑date measures. By active E [email protected] purchase frequency as well as to participation, the project also gathers gain an in‑depth understanding in market intelligence information from the the areas of the industry’s return on Southern Hemisphere Association of marketing investment. Fresh Fruit Exporters (SHAFFE) and other international links at Asia Fruit and Produce • The second stage in 2013 will Marketing forums. include focus group research followed by an online survey to During January to December 2011, the investigate a number of key industry total exports of Australian cherries were strategic investment areas as well as 1,438 tonnes valued at $17.2 million. benchmarking against key industry Australian cherries accounted for 5% of objectives. Australian fresh fruit exports that were • The final stage in 2014 will be valued at $347 million in 2011. developed to evaluate and benchmark industry strategic priorities. The research will also be integral to the development of future industry plans.

The new consumer research report will provide the industry opportunity to develop and tailor a future marketing investment program for the cherry industry.

Project CY11023 For more information contact: Elisa Tseng, HAL T 02 8295 2341 E [email protected]

15 Protecting pollination

The Pollination Program is currently was already endemic and found to have likely a bid for a Honeybee and Pollination managing a number of research projects been in the country for up to three years. Security Cooperative Research Centre for to secure the pollination of Australia’s submission in June 2012. Bee Force is a community engagement horticultural and agricultural crops into Early in 2012 it became clear that pilot project aimed at recruiting confident the future on a sustainable and profitable in addition to a shortfall of cash beekeepers located within close proximity basis. The Pollination Program is a jointly co‑investment, the absence of obvious of high risk points of entry, and to train funded partnership with the Rural Industries key stakeholders from the bid appeared them to conduct in‑hive surveillance for Research and Development Corporation certain to undermine the credibility of the early detection of exotic honeybee pests (RIRDC), HAL and the Australian bid. Under those circumstances, it was such as Varroa mites. The objective is to Government Department of Agriculture, decided that the intended bid would not determine if the involvement of carefully Fisheries and Forestry. be viable. handpicked beekeepers is of any value to The impact of an exotic pest or disease the current surveillance programs managed Nevertheless, the bid development incursion is considered to be the most by the Department of Primary Industries process identified a program of high‑ significant risk to the beekeeping industry Victoria. quality R&D and extension activities, and therefore the industries reliant on This two‑year pilot project, to be covering enhanced bee breeding pollination. One of the key threats is the completed in 2012, will evaluate the and genetics, pest and pathogen Varroa mite and much of the activity in level of engagement and reliability of control, and pollination enhancement the year the program has been running non‑professionals, their willingness to and sustainability that would deliver is focused on this pest. If Varroa mite or be involved in a biosecurity project important outcomes. Participants in the similar bee pests reach Australian shores and test their level of commitment to bid development agreed that alternative and become entrenched, it’s expected to a relatively long‑term pilot project that routes to seeking funding support for the cost between $21 million and $50 million requires discipline and a moderate level of work would be explored. per year over 30 years. This is not just from expertise. lower honey production, but the impact of Project MT09090 the loss of pollination by both managed The pilot project in Melbourne with For more information contact: and wild European honeybees on a range ten hobby beekeepers has worked Dave Alden, RIRDC of fruits, vegetables and pastures. exceptionally well, and another ten are T 02 6271 4180 now in place in Geelong. The beekeepers E [email protected] RIRDC funds for the program are around the shipping ports of Melbourne provided by the Honeybee Research and and Geelong complement the National Development Program, with industry Implementing biosecurity to Sentinel Hive Program and similar programs levies matched by funds provided by the designed to quickly find and identify both strengthen honeybee and Australian Government. Funding from bees and pests that might come into the pollination-responsive industries HAL for the program is from the apple and country. pear, almond, avocado, cherry, vegetable To assist industries in identifying the and summerfruit levies and voluntary The project will be assessed to determine biosecurity risks associated with new contributions from the dried prune and what it takes to make it work and if it can pests of honeybees, prioritisation of risks melon industries, with matched funds from be implemented nationally. The project is and mitigation activities through the the Australian Government. gathering detailed information on costs, development and implementation of a level of engagement and commitment by Honeybee Industry Biosecurity Plan (IBP), Several projects are continuing their work participants, potential issues, as well as is a critical biosecurity preparedness to raise awareness of the importance of strengths and weaknesses. activity. Implementation of the IBP will be pollination, and the need to plan and assisted by development of a Honeybee prepare for Varroa. The project is managed on the ground by Biosecurity Manual (HBM). DPI Victoria. Sabine Perrone, an expert in ‘Bee Force’ – Improving biosecurity, will assess how Bee Force could An IBP, a HBM and contingency plans surveillance and sentinel hive traps be designed to be rolled‑out nationally. for four pest threats of honey bees is and developing the model for being produced. An Industry Biosecurity Projects MT09086 and MT09087 Group has been established and drafts other regions For more information contact: of these documents have been prepared Ports have been identified as one of the Dave Alden, RIRDC and circulated to this group for feedback. most likely entry points for bee pests such T 02 6271 4180 All documents are expected to be as the Varroa mite, which has devastated E [email protected] completed by the end of September bee colonies around the world. Australia 2012. is the last major country free of the pest, Developing a honeybee and and with 65 per cent of our horticultural Project MT10058 and agricultural crops requiring pollination, pollination CRC bid For more information contact: its arrival would cause devastation. When This project was designed to determine Rodney Turner, Plant Health Australia Varroa mite was first reported in New whether sufficient support (including T 6215 7720 16 Zealand in 2000 by a hobby beekeeper, it co‑investment funding) existed to develop E [email protected] Pesticide and bees booklet has enabled the identification of the sensitivity of different sensors to different A booklet that will help beekeepers and swarm sizes arriving in a bait box under Understanding horticultural producers to manage the controlled conditions. A solar‑powered bait risk of honeybee pesticide poisoning – box instrumented with a remote access a major barrier to the increased supply the purchase camera that is viewable online has been of commercial pollination services – deployed to the Port of Brisbane as an was developed. behaviour of fresh initial installation. The booklet contains: Project MT10063 produce consumers • A list of pesticides known to be toxic to For more information contact: Reliable information on consumer bees Dr Cheryl McCarthy, University of Southern purchase patterns helps the cherry • Information about the Australian Queensland industry to gain a better understanding Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines T 07 4631 2297 of shopping behaviour and empowers Authority’s (APVMA’s) pesticide E [email protected] better demand and promotion registration regime planning throughout the year. • Recommended practices for beekeepers ™ and growers Nielsen’s Homescan Consumer Panel has been designed to monitor and • A pesticide poisoning risk management understand household purchasing plan that growers and beekeepers can of packaged grocery and fresh work through prior to each pollination produce. With 10,000 demographically job. representative households, the panel • A pesticide poisoning investigation form is now the second largest per capita designed to help facilitate the calm and in the world providing household level accurate investigation of suspected data on a continuous basis. poisoning events. In the analysis prepared for the cherry Verifying the accuracy and completeness of industry, this vital market information pesticide toxicity information provided by is being used to track performance, other sources has revealed errors and gaps Monitoring the arrival of a swarm of bees to a demographic consumption and to help bait box instrumented with cameras and weight, in previous work of a similar nature, and define strategies to improve cherry temperature and relative humidity sensors in performance. this in itself has been a significant outcome controlled trials of this project. The result is a list of 349 During 2011, an additional 761,000 pesticides registered for horticultural and households bought cherries, almost broadacre use in Australia that the APVMA half of Australian households. At the has assessed as being toxic to bees. same time, we now understand that Hard copies of the book can be purchased the average Australian household online, or downloaded as a free PDF is now buying cherries three times at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/ per year and senior couples are the items/12‑043 most important lifestage from a value perspective. Project MT10060 Project MT10017 Daryl Connelly, TQA Australia T 03 6423 6008 For more information contact: E [email protected] David Chenu, HAL T 02 8295 2381 E [email protected] Remote sensing of beehives to Bees clustered on the top bar inside the improve surveillance instrumented bait box Currently, apiary inspectors routinely and manually check bait boxes at ports around Australia for the incursion of an exotic swarm. This project aims to develop an automated detection system that notifies apiary inspectors when a swarm has arrived at a bait box.

Controlled trials conducted at an apiary site in the first year of this project have demonstrated that temperature, weight and relative humidity sensors and camera imagery are all responsive to the presence Photo captured inside the bait box as the swarm of a swarm in a bait box. Further testing arrives 17 AcROSS INDUSTRY PROgRAm

The cherry industry contributes funding towards an across industry program that addresses issues affecting all of horticulture. Details of the current program are listed below. A full report of the program can be found at http://www.horticulture.com.au/industries/across_industry_ program.asp

Levy Project Project Project No. Project title Organisation Contact or VC start finish

Objective 1: To enhance the efficiency, transparency, responsiveness and integrity of the supply chain

AH11025 Fresh Food Summit and Supply Chain Forum 2011 Levy 1/10/11 30/6/12 AXS Partners Pty Ltd Tristan Kitchener 0407 827 738

Objective 2: Maximise the health benefits of horticulture products

AH11016 Partnership program with Dietitians Association of Levy 1/10/11 30/6/13 Dietitians Association Jodie McHenery Australia of Australia 02 4954 4964

Objective 3: Position horticulture to compete in a globalised environment

AH09025 Office of Market Access Program Levy 1/10/09 30/6/12 Horticulture Australia Jodie Pedrana Limited 07 3012 8370

AH09027 Investing in Youth Successful Scholarship applicant Levy 31/5/10 31/3/15 Rural Industries R&D Margo Andrae Corporation 02 6271 4132

AH10008 Future Focus – ongoing maintenance Levy 7/3/11 27/7/12 Centre for International Derek Quirke Economics 02 6245 7800

AH11014 Leadership training Levy 1/4/12 31/12/12 Horticulture Australia Richard Stephens Limited 02 4739 1654

AH11015 Data acquisition and management Levy 1/4/12 31/5/12 Australian Bureau of Max Foster Agricultural & Resource 02 6272 2095 Economics

AH11020 Opportunities for Australian horticulture in the Carbon Levy 29/11/11 25/5/12 Growcom David Putland Farming Initiative 0408 984 039

AH11027 HAL dimethoate and fenthion options seminar Levy 1/9/11 14/10/11 Horticulture Australia Kim James Limited 08 6488 2209

AH11028 Updating statistical handbook for horticulture Levy 1/12/11 31/5/12 Oliver and Doam Agnes Barnard 02 8011 4743

AH11036 Industry Development Forum 2012 Levy 1/4/12 31/10/12 Horticulture Australia Richard Stephens Limited 02 4739 1654

Objective 4: Achieve long term viability and sustainability for Australian horticulture

AH09003 Plant protection: Regulatory support and co‑ordination Levy 1/7/09 30/5/14 AKC Consulting Pty Ltd Kevin Bodnaruk 0408 567 252

AH09014 Across‑industry climate research, development and Levy 13/4/10 31/1/12 Horticulture Australia Peter Melville extension (RD&E) activities Limited 02 8295 2317

AH10003 Horticulture component of the National Climate Levy 30/11/11 3/5/16 Horticulture Australia Peter Melville Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries Limited 02 8295 2317

AH10006 Pesticide spray drift in horticulture – a response to new Levy 1/7/10 31/5/12 Horticulture Australia Jodie Pedrana guidelines from the APVMA Limited 07 3012 8370

AH11005 Horticulture environmental desk audit Levy 30/11/11 31/8/12 Growcom Jane Muller 07 3213 2483

AH11006 Carbon amelioration in horticulture Levy 1/12/11 31/8/12 NSW Department of Justine Cox Primary Industries 0438 770 187

AH11007 Developing an LCI database for Australian agriculture Levy 2/1/12 1/10/13 Rural Industries R&D Peter Melville Corporation 02 8295 2317

AH11008 Horticulture response to APVMA spray drift regulations Levy 20/12/11 30/5/13 Horticulture Australia Jodie Pedrana 18 Limited 07 3012 8370 Levy Project Project Project No. Project title Organisation Contact or VC start finish

AH11010 Biotechnology awareness in horticulture Levy 10/10/11 25/4/12 Horticulture Australia Alok Kumar Limited 0418 322 070

AH11019 The impacts of the proposed carbon price mechanism Levy 29/11/11 31/5/12 Growcom David Putland on Australian horticulture 0408 984 039

MT09043 Enhancing confidence in product integrity in domestic Levy 1/7/11 28/12/13 Horticulture Australia Richard Bennett and export markets Limited 0429 329 731

MT10029 Managing pesticide access in horticulture (cont. from Levy 1/7/10 2/7/15 AgAware Consulting Peter Dal Santo AH04009 and MT07029) Pty Ltd 03 5439 5916

MT10049 A multi target approach to fruitspotting bug Levy 1/3/11 1/4/16 NSW Department of Dr Ruth Huwer management Primary Industries 02 6626 1196 Objective 5: Other

AH10016 Horticulture support for the CRCNPB rebid – round 14 Levy 24/5/11 14/1/12 CRC For National Plant Kim James Biosecurity 08 6488 2209

AH11003 Support function for Across Industry Committee Levy 15/9/11 30/8/13 Horticulture Australia Warwick Scherf Limited 02 8295 2323

AH11017 Sponsorship of Appetite for Excellence Awards Levy 1/7/11 22/6/14 Horticulture Australia Erin Riley Limited 02 8295 2340

AH11023 Graham Gregory Award and function Levy 1/7/11 30/6/16 Horticulture Australia Erin Riley Limited 02 8295 2340

AH11026 Across industry program administration Levy 1/7/11 30/6/12 Horticulture Australia Warwick Scherf Limited 02 8295 2323

AH11038 Horticulture information unit Levy 15/5/12 15/8/13 Horticulture Australia Richard Bennett Limited 0429 329 731

AH11800 Industry annual report 2011/12 Levy 1/7/11 30/6/12 Horticulture Australia Barbara Knezevic‑ Limited Marinos 02 8295 2334

To find out more information on the cherry industry’s contribution to projects in the Across Industry Program, please contact the HAL Industry Services Manager for the cherry industry, Stuart Burgess, on 0417 536 300 or [email protected]

Climate Change RD&e Australian horticultural industries remain committed to exploring the impacts and opportunities arising from climate change. Horticulture climate R&D investment encompasses a diverse range of objectives and in 2011/12 these include: cross-collaborative programs such as the Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI); carbon footprinting and lifecycle assessment; nitrous oxide research; evaluation of the carbon price mechanism and the Carbon Farming Initiative; adaptation management to reduce the on-farm risk of climate change; and water use efficiency.

These programs aim to empower horticulture to evolve under a changing climate through sound science and communication channels. HAL’s RD&E investment in climate is obtained through industry levies, voluntary contributions and matched by the Australian Government.

19 cHERRY PROgRAm

Project Industry Rural R&D Project title Levy Project Project Organisation Contact No. Obj priorities or VC start finish

CY08003 1 Cherrynet – Improving stem VC/ 30/6/09 30/4/12 Victorian Cherry Ken Gaudion retention in sweet cherries to Levy Association 03 5825 3700 meet quality specifications

CY09000 3 Improved communication within VC 1/10/09 14/10/11 Victorian Cherry Kath Boast the Victorian cherry industry Association 03 5825 3700

CY09002 1 Improving marketable yield of Levy 24/12/09 30/11/12 Tasmanian Institute of Penny Measham premium quality cherries Agriculture 0437454622

CY09006 1 Improving cold treatment for Levy 1/7/09 31/5/12 NSW Department of Dr John Golding disinfesting cherries for Q‑fly Primary Industries 02 4348 1926

CY09012 1 Investigating and overcoming VC 21/8/09 1/8/11 Scientific Horticulture Dr Gordon Brown negative effects of global Pty Ltd 03 6239 6411 warming on cherry dormancy

CY09019 2 Retail handling training package Levy 25/11/10 30/10/11 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey Australia Inc 03 6231 1229

CY10002 1 Optimising cherry fruit set, crop VC/ 1/7/10 31/7/12 Tasmanian Institute of Dr Dugald Close load and fruit nutrition and size Levy Agriculture 03 6226 2776

CY10012 1 Improving the quality and Levy 24/1/11 30/6/12 NSW Department of Dr John Golding consistency of Australian cherries Primary Industries 02 4348 1926 to ensure market access

CY10017 1 Cherry Export Manual – 2010 and Levy 30/9/10 31/10/11 Fruit Growers Tasmania Nick Featherstone 2011 editions Inc 0408 285 965

CY10019 3 Facilitating cherry industry Levy 15/10/10 30/9/11 Fruit Tree Media Nick Morenos communications via the Tree Fruit 03 9740 7136 publication 2010/11

CY10021 1 Developing market access and Levy 1/11/10 31/10/11 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey maintenance capacity within the Australia Inc 03 6231 1229 Australian cherry industry

CY10022 2 Developing communications Levy 25/11/10 31/7/11 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey capacity within the Australian Australia Inc 03 6231 1229 cherry industry

CY10023 3 Building biosecurity preparedness Levy 1/11/10 31/10/11 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey capacity within the Australian Australia Inc 03 6231 1229 cherry industry

CY10026 3 Cherry consumer research Levy 1/4/11 30/7/11 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey Australia Inc 03 6231 1229

CY10702 2 Fruit Growers Tasmania annual VC/ 2/5/11 30/8/11 Fruit Growers Tasmania Nick Featherstone May conference and Cherry Levy Inc 0408 285 965 Growers of Australia regional extension, May 2011

CY10703 2 Cherry Growers of Australia VC 16/5/11 31/10/11 Fruit Growers Tasmania Nick Featherstone annual conference 2011 Inc 0408 285 965

CY11004 3 Extension of improved VC 26/10/11 31/7/13 Victorian Cherry Kath Boast communication with the Victorian Association 03 5825 3700 cherry industry

CY11005 2 Expanding cherry exports for VC 23/11/11 31/1/12 NSW Cherry Growers Joanne Wells NSW cherry growers through the Association 02 6384 3285 attendance and participation at 2011 Asia Fruit Logistica

CY11010 1 Cherry cultivar selection: chill Levy 1/7/11 1/3/12 YV Fresh Charlotte Brunt 20 hours and climate change 0420 284 439 Project Industry Rural R&D Project title Levy Project Project Organisation Contact No. Obj priorities or VC start finish

CY11011 3 Cherry industry five year Strategic Levy 1/8/11 15/6/12 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey Investment Plan Australia Inc 03 6231 1229

CY11012 1 Brown Rot, Boytrytis research Levy 11/11/11 1/12/12 Tasmanian Institute of Dr Karen Barry project Agriculture 0400 929 258

CY11013 3 CGA research framework Levy 1/8/11 30/4/12 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey Australia Inc 03 6231 1229

CY11014 3 Biosecurity preparedness for the Levy 1/9/11 31/5/12 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey Australian cherry industry Australia Inc 03 6231 1229

CY11015 1 Printing of Australian Cherry Levy 1/07/11 7/10/11 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey Production Manual Australia Inc 03 6231 1229

CY11016 1 Evaluation of high quality Levy 26/9/11 30/6/14 South Australia Darren Graetz Australian bred sweet cherries for Research & 08 8389 8809

export and domestic markets Development Institute

CY11017 2 Developing and maintaining Levy 1/9/11 30/6/12 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey market access for the Australian Australia Inc 03 6231 1229 cherries

CY11018 3 Developing communications, Levy 11/8/11 1/7/12 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey engagement and capacity across Australia Inc 03 6231 1229 the Australian cherry industry

CY11020 1 Integrated soil management Levy 1/9/11 16/4/12 Cherry Growers of Kym Green Australia Inc 08 8389 8621

CY11021 3 Cherry category management Levy 1/7/11 17/8/11 Horticulture Australia Elisa Tseng program Limited 02 8295 2341

CY11022 1 Market access of cherries based Levy 1/11/11 31/7/12 NSW Department of Andrew Jessup on non host status to Queensland Primary Industries 02 4348 1965 fruit fly

CY11023 3 Cherry Industry Research Plan Levy 1/1/12 30/6/14 Horticulture Australia Elisa Tseng 2011–2014 Limited 02 8295 2341

CY11024 2 Australian Cherry Industry Levy 1/11/11 30/6/12 Horticulture Australia Elisa Tseng Category Management Program Limited 02 8295 2341 2011/12 season

CY11500 2 N/A Cherry Marketing Program Levy 1/7/11 30/6/12 Horticulture Australia Elisa Tseng 2011/12 Limited 02 8295 2341

CY11800 3 N/A Cherry Industry Annual Report Levy 1/7/11 30/6/12 Horticulture Australia Barbara Knezevic‑ 2011/12 Limited Marinos 02 8295 2334

CY11900 3 N/A 2011 Cherry partnership Levy 1/7/11 10/8/12 Cherry Growers of Simon Boughey /10 agreement Australia Inc 03 6231 1229

MT07058 3 Combined Fruit Growers VC/ 1/7/07 30/6/12 Fruit Growers Tasmania Nick Featherstone Tasmania and Cherry Growers Levy Inc 0408 285 965 Australia Industry Development Officer

MT08035 1 Providing data packages for new VC/ 1/7/08 25/5/12 Department of Dr Hainan Gu fruit fly control technology Levy Agriculture, Fisheries 0401 676 360 and Forestry, Queensland

MT08036 1 Ecology and preharvest control of Levy 1/7/08 30/4/12 CRC For National Plant Anthony Clarke fruit flies for system approaches Biosecurity 07 3864 5023 to market access for fruit fly host commodities

MT09006 1 Improving European earwig Levy 2/11/09 30/9/12 Tasmanian Institute of Dr Geoff Allen management in pome and cherry Agriculture 03 6226 2732 orchards through the use of pheromones 21 Project Industry Rural R&D Project title Levy Project Project Organisation Contact No. Obj priorities or VC start finish

MT09026 3 Protecting pollination for the Levy 30/3/09 31/7/12 Horticulture Australia Kim James Australian horticultural industry Limited 08 6488 2209 Stage 2

MT09086 3 ‘Bee Force’ – Improving Levy 14/6/10 30/5/12 Rural Industries R&D David Alden surveillance and sentinel hive Corporation 02 6271 4128 traps

MT09087 3 ‘Bee Force’ – Developing the Levy 14/6/10 30/5/12 Rural Industries R&D David Alden model for other regions Corporation 02 6271 4128

MT09090 3 Developing a honeybee and Levy 14/6/10 30/3/12 Rural Industries R&D David Alden pollination CRC bid Corporation 02 6271 4128

MT09099 1 National Fruit Fly Strategy – BCA Levy 15/7/11 31/12/11 Plant Health Australia Nicholas Woods for the Australian horticulture 02 6215 7704 industry

MT10017 3 Understanding the purchase Levy 1/9/10 30/8/12 Horticulture Australia David Chenu behaviour of fresh produce Limited 02 8295 2381 consumers

MT10022 3 Export‑import market intelligence Levy 1/9/10 31/5/12 Fresh Intelligence Wayne Prowse Consulting 0408 164 966

MT10058 3 Biosecurity implementation to Levy 15/7/11 31/12/12 Plant Health Australia Rodney Turner strengthen Australia's honeybee 02 6260 4322 and pollination responsive industries

MT10060 1 Pollination – Pesticide and Bees Levy 1/8/11 30/4/12 TQA Australia Daryl Connelly booklet 0488 333 893

MT10063 1 Remote sensing of beehives to Levy 1/8/11 30/4/13 National Centre Cheryl McCarthy improve surveillance for Engineering in 07 4631 2297 Agriculture

Australian Government Rural R&D Priorities: Productivity and adding value Supply chain and markets Natural resource management Climate change and climate variability Biosecurity Innovation skills Technology

To find out levy and/or voluntary contribution expenditure per project, please contact the HAL Industry Services Manager for the cherry industry, Stuart Burgess on 0417 536 300 or [email protected]

22 © Fruit Growers Tasmania Cherry 2012 INvESTINg IN AUSTRALIAN HORTIcULTURE

Australian Government priorities

As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to rural research and development, horticulture industries can access matching Commonwealth funding through HAL for all Technology (3.5%) R&D activities. Innovation skills (9.0%)

The Australian Government’s Rural Research and Development Priorities aim to foster Biosecurity (13.9%) innovation and guide R&D effort in the face of continuing economic, environmental and Climate variability and social change. HAL’s operations are closely aligned with these priorities. climate change (2.7%) Natural resources This chart shows the percentage of expenditure in HAL’s cherry R&D program against management (2.4%) each of the Australian Government priorities for rural research and development. Full details of expenditure across all industries is available in HAL’s annual report at Supply chain and markets (41.2%) www.horticulture.com.au

Productivity and adding value Climate variability and Improve the productivity and profitability climate change of existing industries and support the Build resilience to climate variability and Productivity and development of viable new industries. adapt to and investigate the effects of adding value (27.3%) climate change. Supply chain and markets Better understand and respond to Biosecurity domestic and international markets and Protect Australia’s community, primary consumer requirements and improve industries and environment from the flow of such information through biosecurity threats. the whole supply chain, including to HAL’s roles and consumers. Innovation skills Improve the skills to undertake research relationships Natural resource management and apply its findings. Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is a Support effective management of not‑for‑profit industry owned company. Australia’s natural resources to ensure Technology Its role is to manage the expenditure primary industries are both economically Promote the development of new and of funds collected by the Australian and environmentally sustainable. existing technologies. Government on behalf of horticulture industries. HAL partnership agreement and consultation In 2011/12 HAL invested more than $100 million in projects to benefit funding horticulture industries. An Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) The partnership agreement between Cherry is established for each industry with The full year consultation funding Growers Australia Inc (CGA) and HAL a statutory levy and annual income expenditure for CGA in 2011/12 was sets out the tasks each organisation will exceeding $150,000. $133,981. This represents 8.6% of perform to enable the other to discharge its the total annual levy expenditure. The Industry Representative Body responsibilities related to levy payers and Consultation funding in respect of R&D (IRB) for an industry is responsible industry services. Partnership agreement represents 7.6% of the investment in for recommending to HAL the activities are funded by HAL using the R&D expenditure and consultation establishment of, and any changes cherry R&D levy and matched funds from funding in respect of marketing to, statutory levies. The IRB for the Australian Government as well as cherry represents 13.8% of the investment in an industry with a statutory levy marketing funds. marketing expenditure. recommends membership of the IAC These funds enable CGA to undertake the to HAL and must demonstrate how Project CY11910 the skills required on an IAC are met Annual Levy Payers’ Meeting, conduct IAC For more information contact: by the persons they recommend for meetings, attend HAL Industry Forums, Simon Boughey, CGA appointment to the committee. attend HAL/CGA Australia Executive Board T 03 6231 1229 to Board consultation meetings, and other For more information please visit E [email protected] formal and informal consultation between www.horticulture.com.au personnel of CGA and HAL. 23 cHERRY INvESTmENT SUmmARY

Year ended 30 June 2012

Marketing R&D Combined 2011/12 2011/12 2011/12 $ $ $

Funds available 1 July 2011 31,646 352,660 384,306

INCOME

Levies received 304,601 406,135 710,736

Commonwealth contributions 639,146 639,146

Other income 467 5,548 6,015

Total income 305,068 1,050,829 1,355,897

Budget 271,779 905,516 1,177,295

Variance to budget 33,289 145,313 178,602

PROGRAM INVESTMENT

Levy programs 221,205 1,131,539 1,352,744

Service delivery programs by HAL 27,134 146,752 173,886

Across industry contribution 21,648 21,648

Levy collection costs 3,265 4,352 7,617

Total investment 251,604 1,304,291 1,555,895

Budget 244,143 1,101,315 1,345,458

Variance to budget (7,461) (202,976) (210,437)

Annual surplus/deficit 53,464 (253,462) (199,998)

Closing balance 30 June 2012 85,110 99,198 184,308

Cherry Industry FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Advisory Committee (IAC) Bob Granger (Chair) Scott Coupland Gary Fergusson Kym Green Stuart Burgess Lucy Gregg Industry Services Manager Tim Reid Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL)

Andrew Smith 262 Argyle Street Ian Sparnon Hobart TAS 7000 Simon Boughey (Ex‑Officio) T 0417 536 300 Stuart Burgess (Ex‑Officio) E [email protected]

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 8295 2300 F 02 8295 2399 www.horticulture.com.au 24