Apple and Pear Australia Limited - APAL

26/10/2026

Researchers have been investigating the effects of different leaf removal methods and timings on carbohydrate reserves to improve crop load.

Over the past two seasons, the NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development has conducted a proof-of-concept research project at Tingira orchard, Batlow, within the PIPS 4 Profit 'Optimising apple production systems' (AP22004) project.

The experiment aimed to determine effective defoliation methods and timing to manipulate carbohydrate reserves to better manage crop load. Now that the experiment is complete, the research team has prepared an overview of the rationale and findings of this work.

Read more: https://apal.org.au/the-role-of-carbohydrate-reserves-and-spring-assimilation-on-fruit-set/

Hort Innovation, Agriculture Victoria, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Primary Industries and Regional Development, NSW Agriculture, Fruit Producers SA

The PIPS 4 Profit Optimising apple production systems (AP22004) project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the apple and pear research and development levy, contributions from the Australian Government and co-investment from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Agriculture Victoria, and the NSW and WA Departments of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

23/10/2026

There is strength in numbers if, as an industry, we change the way we engage with retailers and make full use of the Grocery Code.

So say NextGen Group’s Neil Rechlin and independent Code Mediators – Trish Henry (for Woolworths) and Jenny Linsten (for Coles) – who addressed growers at the 2026 APAL Industry Forum.

Read more: https://apal.org.au/changing-the-conversation-with-retailers/

22/10/2026

Join us for the Future Orchards® Spring Orchard Walk in the Goulburn Valley on Thursday 12 November.

Horticultural advisor Marcel Veens will share insights into chemical thinning in Bravo® apples, fruit cracking and managing vigour through irrigation, while Nick O’Halloran from Agriculture Victoria will demonstrate the new Water Budgeting Tool.

Bayer Crop Science will also provide an update on the latest developments in crop protection, nutrition and orchard innovation.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2026-future-orchards-spring-series-goulburn-valley-tickets-2003691030811

Future Orchards® is delivered by APAL as part of the Future Orchards – adoption and innovation in apples and pears (AP25004) project. The project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the apple and pear research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd

21/10/2026

Applications open for January Immersion Program 📢

The Immersion Program offers four emerging industry members a valuable opportunity to join the Future Orchards® Summer Series of orchard walks to connect with experienced growers and industry experts and gain practical insights into orchard management across different growing regions.

The orchard walks will run from 12–22 January 2027, with participants joining one of two loops: 12–19 January or 18–22 January.

Applications close Sunday 8 November 2026.

Apply here: https://apal.org.au/programs/future-orchards/young-grower-immersion-program/

The Future Orchards® Young Grower Immersion Program is delivered by APAL as part of the Future Orchards – adoption and innovation in apples and pears (AP25004) project. The project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the apple and pear research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Hort Innovation

19/10/2026

Jeremy Griffith, APAL General Manager, shared this update in the Spring 2026 edition of AFG.

As growers are aware, the United States has been seeking biosecurity approval to export fresh apples to Australia. This process has now been underway for nearly eight years. The Australian Government has conducted detailed assessments and indicated that US apples could potentially be imported, but only subject to strict biosecurity measures.

Read more:

APAL raises concerns over proposed US apple imports, warning of biosecurity threats, food security risks and the impact of broader trade negotiations on growers.

19/10/2026

Join us for the Future Orchards® Spring Orchard Walk in Pemberton on Wednesday 18 November.

This WA orchard walk will be an interactive ‘walk and talk’ session led by the local Front Line Advisor (FLA), providing growers with an opportunity to engage in practical, on-farm discussions and share experiences with industry experts and fellow growers.

This session will focus on irrigation efficiency and scheduling, exploring practical strategies to optimise water use and improve orchard productivity.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2026-future-orchards-spring-series-western-australia-tickets-2003271045624

Pomewest Grower Page
Hort Innovation

Future Orchards® is delivered by APAL as part of the Future Orchards – adoption and innovation in apples and pears (AP25004) project. The project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the apple and pear research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

16/10/2026

Phil Turnbull, APAL CEO, shared this update to industry in the Spring 2026 edition of AFG.

There was a real sense of optimism in the room when we came together in Melbourne for the APAL Awards for Excellence and Industry Forum in July. Part of that was simply the opportunity to reconnect and celebrate some exceptional people across our industry, but I think it also reflected something broader: our industry is in a stronger position than it was 12 months ago.

Read more:

APAL CEO Phil Turnbull reflects on improved apple market conditions, new export opportunities in China and the priorities for a resilient Australian apple and pear industry.

15/10/2026

Research shows that in addition to compatibility and flowering overlap, production goals need to be considered when choosing a pollen donor.

Apple flowers attract a diverse community of insects, and studies from apple-growing regions around the world have shown that honey bees, bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies and other insects can all contribute to pollination.

However, the managed European honey bee (Apis mellifera) remains the most commonly used pollinator in commercial orchards.

More interestingly, the relative contribution of different insects is not necessarily the same for every apple cultivar.

Research from the UK, for example, found that pollinator visitation varied across different apple cultivars – this suggests that pollination requirements cannot always be generalised across all apple cultivars or locations.

Read more: https://apal.org.au/polliniser-choice-can-influence-apple-fruit-set-and-fruit-size/

13/10/2026

What does good succession planning look like and how and what can you do to give your family the best chance of achieving it?

Start the process early. Start talking about it with family early. Get specialist advice.

That was the clear consensus at two sessions at this year’s Hort Connections in Adelaide which brought together legal, financial and family psychology specialists to share their insights, followed by some real-life stories and governance strategies from three family business leaders.

Read more: https://apal.org.au/head-in-the-sand-is-not-a-plan/

12/10/2026

Round four of the Future Orchards® Young Grower Immersion Program saw four participants spend a week with the orchard walks team in July.

The participants visited several growing regions, interacting with Future Orchards technical advisors, guest speakers Mark Wakefield and Graham Hope, and other growers.

Read on to find out how they found the experience.

https://apal.org.au/young-growers-building-new-skills-and-networks-on-orchard-walks-2/

The Future Orchards® Young Grower Immersion Program is delivered by APAL as part of the Future Orchards – adoption and innovation in apples and pears (AP25004) project. The project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the apple and pear research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Hort Innovation