AFFCO Apple and Stonefruit World Class Workshop 2006

Transcription

1 FINAL REPORT PREPARED FOR HORTICULTURE AUSTRALIA LIMITED AP05031 AFFCO Apple and Stonefruit World Class Workshop 2006 Author: Andrew Dick Australian Fresh Fruit Company Pty Ltd AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 1 of 93

2 AP05031 AFFCO Apple and Stonefruit World Class Workshop 2006 Project Coordinator: Andrew Dick General Manager Australian Fresh Fruit Company Pty Ltd PO Box 363 GISBORNE VIC 3437 Ph Mobile Purpose of Report The purpose of the report is to provide a report to Horticulture Australia Limited on the success of the project AFFCO Apple and Stonefruit World Class Workshop Acknowledgement The Australian Fresh Fruit Company Pty Ltd wishes to thank Horticulture Australia Limited for their support for this project, and the contribution of the sponsors, hosts and speakers, without whom the Workshop would not have been a success. We also thank the working group and participants who attended the workshop. It is these people who have driven us towards the on-going success of the World Class Workshop concept. Date 30 September 2006 Any recommendations contained in this publication do not necessarily represent current HAL Limited policy. No person should act on the basis of the contents of this publication, whether as to matters of act or opinion or other content, without first obtaining specific, independent professional advice in respect of the matters set out in this publication AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 2 of 93

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS MEDIA AND TECHNICAL SUMMARY... 4 INTRODUCTION... 5 VISION... 5 MATERIALS AND METHODS... 5 RESULTS... 6 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER... 6 CONCLUSION... 6 PHYSIOLOGY... 7 AIM... 7 METHOD... 7 RESULT AND CONCLUSION... 7 NUTRITION... 8 THE ABILITY OF NUTRITION MANAGEMENT TO REDUCE STRESS... 8 CONCLUSION... 8 CROP MANIPULATION... 9 AIM... 9 METHOD... 9 RESULTS... 9 CONCLUSION PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE AIM METHOD CONCLUSION INTEGRATED FRUIT PRODUCTION AIM METHOD CONCLUSION THE BIG PICTURE LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AIM METHOD RESULTS CONCLUSION APPENDICES COPY OF PRESENTATIONS AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 3 of 93

4 Media and Technical summary Strategically planning your business and manipulating the crop for profit, were just two of the topics from the world class workshop held for apple and stonefruit growers and leading supply chain figures. The three-day session, held by the Australian Fresh Fruit Company (AFFCO) in June in Shepparton, looked at informed nutritional management (particularly for crops under stress), pruning strategies, understanding the marketplace for stonefruit and apples, using crop manipulators to increase profit, IPM strategies, labour-saving devices and understanding basic plant physiology with respect to the effects of climate variability. AFFCO s GM, Andrew Dick, says, Following on from last year s successful stonefruit workshop, this workshop successfully addressed key specific technical and strategic issues affecting apple and stonefruit growers, aiming to help them be as competitive as possible. Presentations include a limited number of formal talks along with field visits, where interactive discussion was facilitated by farm-business advisor Marcel Veens. The Workshop committee aimed to provide a positive action based atmosphere, and stimulate a new direction for the industry and new products. They saw it as facilitating change with the industry needing to adjust to future trends, threats and opportunities. The first day of the Workshop was devoted to apple growers and included an orchard visit during the afternoon session. The second day of the Workshop was devoted to stonefruit growers and incorporated a number of technical presentations. The final day was a field visit for stonefruit growers including orchards in Shepparton, Invergordon and Cobram. Topics covered: Understanding basic plant physiology effects of climate variability Informed nutritional management for profit The use of crop manipulators to increase profit IPM techniques in practice Labour saving devices Orchard of the 21 st Century Strategically planning your business (including variety selection) Understanding the marketplace for stonefruit and apples There were 130 attendees over the three days of the Workshop leading growers, packers, marketers and key industry figures from around Australia. It is envisaged that attendance at the Workshop will foster further cooperation in the Australian fruit industry. The Workshop was aimed at providing information to Australian fruit growers, covering the areas of production and market intelligence relating to Australian and world fruit industries, consumer requirements, business skills and technical information. All participants were provided with a summary of proceedings. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 4 of 93

5 Introduction In competitive world markets it is important that the Australian fruit industry has up-to-date knowledge of world trends in production and marketing, and that Australian growers have the business and technical skills to maintain and grow their market share. The Workshop addressed key specific technical issues, as well as strategic issues affecting growers of apples and stonefruit. In order to achieve this, the Australian Fresh Fruit Company (AFFCO) organised and conducted a 3-day Workshop for growers of apples and stonefruit. The Workshop included representation from leading Australian and international speakers who are regarded as experts in their fields. Specifically, the Workshop aimed to increase consumer satisfaction and address supply chain issues which influence the delivery of consumer satisfaction; provide opportunities for performance benchmarking within the industry; provide better access for businesses to required knowledge and advice; and facilitate growers to work more cooperatively to increase their economic power. Vision The Workshop committee aimed to provide a positive action based atmosphere, and stimulate a new direction for the industry and new products. They saw it as facilitating change with the industry needing to adjust to future trends, threats and opportunities. They wanted to build on the success of the previous year s workshop but focus on how crops can deal with the stresses and strains of the Australian climate. They also wanted some big picture thinking on promotion and also, a continuing focus on tree physiology, understanding the basics lifecycles and how Australian growers can cope with relatively high labour costs and remain competitive in the market. Materials and Methods The first day of the Workshop was devoted to apple growers and included an orchard visit during the afternoon session. The second day of the Workshop was devoted to stonefruit growers and incorporated a number of technical presentations. The final day was a field visit for stonefruit growers including orchards in Shepparton, Invergordon and Cobram. There were a limited number of formal presentations over the three days, and interactive discussion was encouraged. There were also informal presentations on the bus during the orchard visits and in-field. Copies of the formal presentations are outlined in the Appendix. Topics covered: Understanding basic plant physiology effects of climate variability Informed nutritional management for profit The use of crop manipulators to increase profit IPM techniques in practice Labour saving devices Orchard of the 21 st Century Strategically planning your business (including variety selection) Understanding the marketplace for stonefruit and apples AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 5 of 93

6 These topics included understanding the Australian fruit industry in the context of world trends in production and marketing, understanding opportunities which arise from satisfying consumer expectations with regard to fresh and processed products, the importance and methods of benchmarking the farm business and technical issues relating to plant physiology, insect management, nutrition and orchards of the future. Results There were 130 attendees over the three days of the Workshop leading growers, packers, marketers and key industry figures from around Australia. It is envisaged that attendance at the Workshop will foster further cooperation in the Australian fruit industry. The Workshop was aimed at providing information to Australian fruit growers, covering the areas of production and market intelligence relating to Australian and world fruit industries, consumer requirements, business skills and technical information. All participants were provided with a summary of proceedings. Technology Transfer Workshop outcomes have been published in two horticultural magazines and AFFCO will include a summary of highlights in both its internal communication and in a series of regional workshops over the following 12 months. It is anticipated the Workshop has provided participants with market intelligence and business/technical information which will allow them to compete more effectively in world markets. Australian apple and stonefruit growers, and key supply chain partners were targeted to ensure an all-round approach to supply chain improvement, and the support of growers making the necessary changes to their businesses for future survival and profitability. The Workshop was also used to identify areas where further research and development could assist the fruit industry. Conclusion In conclusion, this workshop was very well attended and it achieved its objective of increased attendance over the previous year. People who attended were receptive to the messages and as judged by the feedback sheet, rated very highly of the speakers. In terms of managing future workshops we continually need to look at the best method of providing information and we probably need to revamp and re-look at the orchard visits to give them greater focus. In terms of the bigger picture, there is certainly a great need to have the industry consider how best to meet the future in terms of supply chain management, marketing arrangements and how best to add value to the products that they are marketing. It is recommended that AFFCO continue to organise this World Class Workshop as it is a proven formula and a proven success rate. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 6 of 93

7 Physiology Aim The aim of this section was to improve the understanding of apples and stonefruit growers of tree physiology. Many growers have good knowledge of products and practices that have been used to influence better production for apples and stonefruit. However, they don t always understand the background to why things happen to the tree and so, after the last two years, AFFCO has tried to incorporate better understanding through the section of Understanding Tree Physiology. Method This section was delivered by Dr Gavin Porter, previously a lecturer at Gatton University and Marcel Veens, a well educated adviser who comes from Holland which has been at the forefront of education and a scientific approach to fruit production over the last 50 years. A section entitled a New Approach to Tree Structure was delivered by Craig Hornblow of AgFirst (New Zealand). Gavin and Marcel s talk focused on the need to understand the growth cycle of apples and stonefruit and to see the tree as a factory with a number of components for success. The key aspects of this talk were to understand the growing phases of apples and stonefruit and to understand the importance of water at every stage of production. Gavin said that without photosynthesis, then the tree would not grow. The thesis is that the tree is a storage mechanism of carbohydrate and it is important to keep that carbohydrate level at a good level throughout the season, even after harvest. Things that have high energy use are flowering, fruit set, fruit growth and development, excessive vegetative growth and root growth. These need to be kept to a minimum as large limbs have high respiration and high carbohydrate storage but do not contribute to high fruit production. Result and Conclusion This area received strong support in the evaluation forms and therefore, it shows that it s a topic that should be continued in terms of understanding the use of inputs and their effect. It was interesting to note that there was a very good reaction at the Profit From Planning Conference to the presentation of Regalis by Dr Wilhelm Rademaker. His talk looked like it was double Dutch but in fact, provided a very true understanding of the use of the physiology of Regalis and its use. We therefore, should spend much more time on developing a greater understanding of tree physiology for apples, pairs and stonefruit when we re making presentations. Another component that was of interest was the importance of having the tree in balance and this was emphasised by Marcel in terms of pruning the tree, both as root pruning and leaf pruning. Craig s talk provided some new thinking on tree pruning and structure. It emphasised the importance of consistent production of quality fruit through a simple process of pruning. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 7 of 93

8 Nutrition The Ability of Nutrition Management to Reduce Stress The aim of this session was to develop on the presentation made by Doris Blaesing at last year s workshop and to engender even greater understanding of the role that nutrition plays in successful production of fruit. The other aspect that was emphasised by the working group was to better understand how nutrition can reduce stress. As indicated at the Profit From Planning Conference, Australia faces a new era with climate change and therefore, stress management is of even greater importance in the hot climate that prevails in Australia. Method The method used was to again, ask Doris Blaesing from Serve-Ag, a well known researcher who comes from Germany and has spent a number of years in Australia working for Serve- Ag which is a well known research based organisation. The reason for inviting Doris to speak again is that she adopts a scientific, but also a practical approach to nutrition in the orchard and with the program that has been developed by Serve-Ag of leaf analysis, which has been funded by a Government funded program, this is a practical way in which growers can better monitor their nutritional demands in the orchard. Result The main contention of Doris presentation was that recipes cannot give reliable results. Doris contends that yield levels, soil conditions and climate all have an impact on root distribution, growth, function and nutrient uptake. A need therefore, is to replace recipes with nutrient budgeting with a name of Supplying Waters Needed in the Season, but first correcting previous cell deficiencies and imbalances and then developing a program which takes into consideration the changing soil water and climatic conditions. Some of the practical aspects of her presentation emphasised the importance of very good soil sampling, not just the top 15 cm in detailing the various function that different nutrients perform. Doris said it is absolutely critical to get the ratios in balance. The other aspect to soil nutrition is that a prerequisite for managing nutrient uptake is soil moisture. Conclusion This is, yet again, a very well received presentation. The crucial part of managing nutrition is to monitor and growers in Australia need to adopt a more attention to detail approach to this area and in the leaf sap testing, there is a very good method of better understanding nutritional nutrient movement and we should be encouraging growers to be involved this. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 8 of 93

9 Crop Manipulation Aim The aim of this section was to further the understanding of the tools of crop manipulation available to growers of apples and stonefruit. Method The working group said that the focus of this area should be on Regalis as a new product available to apple growers, ongoing use of ATS in both apples and stonefruit and also other crop manipulation tools available. The working group therefore undertook to get three experts to talk in this area. 1. Craig Hornblow from AgFirst in New Zealand; 2. Schalk Reynolds from Valent BioSciences who has a wide experience of use of crop manipulation tools in South Africa and has a research background; and 3. Steve Tancred who has the greatest knowledge of any Australian researcher on the work on Regalis in Australia. Results Craig Hornblow Craig said that the objective of thinning was to produce larger fruit with higher yields at a lower cost of labour and ensure the good return bloom. He said the important part of thinning was to understand what the target was and the mode of action directly through influencing flowers and indirectly through having an effect on the leaf. He then went through and showed how ATS can impact on the fruit resulting in 91% first drop of flowers and 8.7% later. Craig showed that the method of application was also very important and emphasised having that technology available. He also said the water rate is critical and showed the effect of the different water rates. He believes the greatest area of focus should be on timing and came up with a recommendation that timing should start when 80% of King Blooms are open. While Craig s comments were mostly related to apples, he said there had also been a promising experience in New Zealand with cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots, although there were major varietal differences. He said that more experience is required to demonstrate consistency of response in this area. Schalk Reynolds Schalk gave a very broad overview of the uses of plant growth regulators on apples and stonefruit and showed how a range of products can be used with different objectives, such as delaying flowering, advancing flowing and having uniform bud break, thinning, promoting flowering, improving fruit shape and improving fruit size and management of harvest, delaying ripening and controlling fruit drop. Schalk then focused on some of the key products available from Valent BioSciences, including Cylex and ReTain. He showed how the use of Cylex can result in an increase of return in $9,400 per hectare. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 9 of 93

10 As regards ReTain, there are some many benefits from using ReTain, including reduction of pre-harvest drop, as a harvest management tool, increasing firmness and improving fruit storage potential and colour. The key area that Valent have discovered works is through harvest management. ReTain trials in South Africa have been shown to reduce greasiness and increase colour. Schalk also talked about the new application timing for ReTain as seven days before harvest. Indications are that the starch levels of fruit treated with ReTain can be reduced at picking time through application of this timing. With respect to use to ReTain in stonefruit, trials in Australia and around the world have shown how fruit quality can be increased with increased firmness and better harvest management. Because storage life can be improved, there is also an opportunity to gain a greater return on investment. Steve Tancred Regalis Presentation Steve said the main reasons for using Regalis were to reduce shoot growth, improve light with a result of better fruit colour and fruit bud development and have less leaves resulting in less water use and hopefully, reducing woolly aphid infestation. Steve showed some of the latest trial work and photographs of the trial results from Stanthorpe. The main focus of his talk was how to actually use Regalis and he said that it needs to be applied at the correct time when the leaves are 2 cm to 5 cm and there is some blossom left. He suggested not to use alkaline water, make the leaves sweat and have slow drying conditions and only spray with other benefits he had identified as potentially better fruit set in the current year and the following year, potential for better pest and disease control, the fact that it doesn t have a long term effect and is localised within a tree, provides very safe use. In summary, Steve said that Regalis is the best thing since sliced bread. Conclusion As can be seen from the feedback on these presentations, they were very well received and there is a strong interest from apple and stonefruit growers on better understanding how these products work and the benefits. Every effort needs to be made to fully explain different products and understand the physiology behind their use. All presentation reviews of this area showed a very degree of importance on the topic and also enjoyment of the presentations. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 10 of 93

11 Planning for the Future Aim The working group aimed to provide the big picture component to the workshop through a panel session involving a number of leading supply chain members. Method The working group suggested invitations to a variety of people from the supply chain and this included Gavin Porter from the ANFIC Nursery Group, Darryl Wallace from Coles, Michael Silm from Panda Ranch Group, Nick Pagett from OzTaste, Wayne Boucher from Summer Fruit Australia, John Baker from Produce Marketing Australia and Mark Watson of National Fresh. The session was opened by two presentations. One from John Baker and one from Michael Silm. John Baker John Baker s presentation showed how the AFFCO Well Informed Grower Project can be used as a tool for improving better grower understanding of the includence of various factors in the marketplace. The information can be used for both short tactical reasons and also for long term strategical planning. Michael Silm Michael Silm s presentation used the example of the development of a new variety. He called this soccer ball and showed how all components of the supply chain needed to be involved in the planning of this new variety. A session then opened up to the panel session. Dr Gavin Porter said that there was a need to better evaluate varieties in Australian conditions. With respect to stonefruit, Coles said that the low chill stonefruit season had not been a great success. On the positive side, white flesh sales had grown by 37% and there had been a better cherry season. The trend was for an increase in the specification level and this has been carried out through QC inspections in the packing sheds. Nick Pagett of OzTaste said that there needs to be a better evaluation in Australia and in the different growing regions. However, 15% of the varieties were poor. The next main criticism of Australia was that it was the worst information system in the world. Wayne Boucher of Summer Fruit Australia believes there are too many varieties, pluots were an example of a product that had been widely planted but had been a failure through incorrect evaluation. In terms of some of the answers to some of the questions What criteria is required for a good supplier the following were some criteria. There is a trend to greater on-farm as opposed to market purchases. Growers need to meet good agricultural practice without practices such as flood irrigation. There is a need to have a commercial edge involving good support in marketing and a partnership approach and this involves direct access, eg Coles quoted a figure of 85% direct and 15% purchase through markets and very good communication. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 11 of 93

12 The meeting concluded that there was probably a need to carryout better consumer research and John Baker quoted a figure from the US where people don t eat for a third of the season because of a poor start to stonefruit. Conclusion There were quite a number of messages from this session. 1. Growers need to accept the fact that some varieties will be controlled and they therefore need to be involved in the planning and marketing of those products. 2. Growers need to be aware that there is going to be far more direct purchases and need to collaborate to provide a good target for supply from supermarkets. 3. Varieties need to be much better evaluated under Australian conditions. 4. There needs to be a better understanding of why people don t buy stonefruit and provide a better thrust for marketing. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 12 of 93

13 Integrated Fruit Production Aim The aim of this session was to provide an update to growers on some areas where pest control was failing. Method The method was to ask David Williams, a renowned expert from DPI, Victoria and Steve Tancred, a research and practically based agricultural adviser from Stanthorpe to speak about two or three areas. David Williams Carpophilus Beetle David Williams started by talking about the use of a new development to attract Carpophilus beetle. A method has been developed of developing a synthetic attractant which can attract carpophilus beetle into a trap. A prototype based on a funnel trap has been developed for commercial use in the coming season. David said that future work includes the need to get the sustainable synthetic blend and investigating opportunities for area-wide control of carpophilus beetle. Brown Rot David then referred to brown rot and how severe infections can cause damage to up to 34% of fruit. Temperature and wetness play a major role in brown rot infection. Oriental Fruit Moth: This has been a serious pest since There are a number ways of preventing OFM, in particular good tree husbandry maintaining a calm tree, disinfesting bins where there are low populations made in disruption is ideal however, the best solution is to develop a area-wide approach. David said that use of integrated pest and disease management is very important and it is government policy. He explained that it is not organic farming, nor biological control, nor just a magic formula but it is very important for future use on farms. He said there have been issues with pesticide resistance and that use of new chemistry can be expensive and take a long time to develop. However, on occasions, it has been better than use of biological and cultural controls. Therefore, use of IPDM requires time and knowledge and a flexible approach needs to be adopted. Steve Tancred Western Flower Thrips Steve explained how the problem had developed of Western Flower Thrips in Stanthorpe. He said that it has variable importance and it is neither minor nor major, so it can t be ignored as it affects apples, pears, stonefruit and vegetables. However, it did take two seasons to spread to all orchards. A variety of actions have been taking place in Queensland, including use of chemicals but they are only partly the answer. Some of the solutions mentioned include mowing early, using a rough disc, using good scouting, using some chemicals and targeting adults on trees and in the orchards. Also, potentially using second row spraying. Conclusion Further work is required in encouraging growers to adapt IPDM practices. Central to this is the role of monitoring. IPDM is critical to future export success with the increased difficulty in achieving very low or nil tolerance on minimum residue levels (MRL s). AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 13 of 93

14 The Big Picture Looking to the Future Aim The aim of this section was to think outside the square and look at different industry sections, ie the tomato industry and also some new technologies. Method Rob Rendell, a well known consultant from RMCG, Bendigo was asked to speak about the tomato processing industry. In addition, Greg Dunne, a scientist from DPI Victoria but based at Dookie Agricultural College was asked to speak about some of the new technologies available. Results Rob Rendell Rob Rendell gave a very good talk on the tomato processing sector and showed how production had doubled whereas the area in production had decreased and the number of growers had gone from about 1,500 to effectively 27 now. During that time, yields had increased from about 20 tons per hectare to a target now of 80 to 100 tons per hectare of production. The other point that Rob raised is that now that Australia has got fewer growers, they are actively participating in the World Forum to try and better increase returns to growers. This is evidenced by their holding of the World Tomato Processing Forum in Melbourne in Rob Rendell s contention is that we cannot ignore the global picture and that with organisations such as the major Australian retailers looking to source their own brand, that growers really need to work out how they can collaborate and increase in scale to compete on the world market. Greg Dunne As a representative of Department Primary Industries Victoria, Greg Dunne built on a presentation that had given to the World Class Workshop in 2004 which showed how better use of soil moisture monitoring and shade analysis could significantly improve the efficiency use of water. Greg s presentation showed how new technology could be used to map different production and yield potential in an orchard and then through use of this, pictorial presentations showed how different actions could be taken and tailor-made to increase the value. In terms of outcomes, he showed how a major vineyard company had been able to identify different blocks for treatment with a recent significant difference in the value of fruit production, eg fruit value where picked together with $70,000 whereas splitting the picking increased the value to $126,000. Another example with wine was picking together the gross value of wine was only $432,000 whereas split picking was $720,000. So new technologies can have a huge value in terms of increasing overall returns. Greg believes that there are a number of opportunities: 1. Assessing and setting crop load; 2. Canopy determinations; and 3. Fruit maturity. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 14 of 93

15 In conclusion he said that some of the solutions would be automation based on wireless technology using spatial variation in yield and quality. Conclusion These two talks were very interesting and thought of the bigger picture. It just shows that it s worthwhile hearing from people who are thinking laterally. AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 15 of 93

16 Appendices Copy of Presentations Topics Page Numbers Program 17 Feedback Summary 21 Apples Dr Gavin Porter Basics of Fruit Tree Physiology 22 Craig Hornblow A New Approach to Tree Structure 25 Marcel Veens Apple Pruning 33 Doris Blaesing Improving Nutrient Uptake 37 Schalk Reynolds Plant Growth Regulators 42 Craig Hornblow Chemical Thinning with ATS 48 Steve Tancred Regalis 55 John Baker Planning for the Future 59 Michael Silm Varietal Planning 60 Stonefruit Dr Gavin Porter and Marcel Veens Basics of Stonefruit Tree Physiology 63 Doris Blaesing Maximising Nutrient Uptake 66 Craig Hornblow Stonefruit Pruning in New Zealand 69 Schalk Reynolds Plant Growth Regulators 74 Dr Greg Dunne Future Technology in Orchards 80 David Williams Pest Management in Stonefruit Orchards 85 Steve Tancred Western Flower Thrips 89 Steve Tancred Brown Rot Control 92 AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 16 of 93

17 PROFIT THROUGH LEARNING AT THE AFFCO APPLE and STONEFRUIT WORKSHOP When: 6-8 June June Apple Workshop and Field Visit 6 June Dinner for all attendees 7 June Stonefruit Workshop 8 June Field visit for stonefruit Where: Sherbourne Terrace Orchard Visits: 109 Wyndham Street - Goulburn Valley Shepparton Ph Who should attend: What Issues will be Addressed: Apple and Stonefruit growers, Orchard Managers and allied Members Following on from last year s successful Stonefruit Workshop, this Workshop intends to address key specific technical issues as well as touching in key strategic issues affecting growers of apples and stonefruit. The aim is to assist growers be as competitive as possible. Topics covered: Topic & Benefit Apples Stonefruit Understanding basic plant physiology effects of climate variability Informed nutritional management for profit The use of crop manipulators to increase profit IPM techniques in practice Labour saving devices Orchard of the 21st century Strategically planning your business (including variety selection) Understanding the marketplace for stonefruit and apples Methods of learning: What is provided: Acknowledgement: A limited number of formal presentations Interactive discussion in the orchards, facilitated by Marcel Veens Informal presentations on the bus and in-field A full set of course notes The sharing of considerable expertise of speakers and participants Lunch and bus travel from Shepparton to orchards AFFCO would like to acknowledge and thank sponsors, hosts and speakers for their close cooperation and support An AFFCO World Class Workshop series AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 17 of 93

18 PROGRAM Tuesday 6 June APPLE FOCUS Sherbourne Terrace, Shepparton and orchard visits 8.45 am Coffee and Registration am Introduction/Physiology Understand tree physiology to optimise tree performance for profit Marcel Veens/ Gavin Porter A New Approach to Tree Structure Craig Hornblow Improving Nutritional Uptake Understanding tree physiology and seasonal variability to maximum nutritional uptake and profit Doris Blaesing, Serve-Ag Questions am Coffee break am pm Manipulating your Trees for Profit Using Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) for profit in apples - Schalk Reynolds, Valent Bioscience (South Africa & Mgr Asia Pacific) Use of ATS (Ammonium Thiosulphate) in chemical thinning AgFirst NZ - Craig Hornblow Introduction to Regalis Steve Tancred Questions pm Short lunch pm Orchard Visit facilitated by Marcel Veens Visiti Dookie College trial site (kindly hosted by Mark Elliot) Topics include: Pruning for success Marcel Veens New Croplands sprayer demonstration Regalis trial work Steve Tancred / Doug Wilson (NuFarm) Use of ATS in the orchard Craig Hornblow and/ Iain Latter, Growchem 4.00 pm 6.00 pm Well Informed Grower meeting for apples (by invitation) - Program meeting - Presentation of the latest information - How the program can help you be more profitable - Feedback on future program priorities, direction and activities - John Baker 7.00 for 7.30 pm Dinner in Shepparton at Sherbourne Terrace for apple and stonefruit attendees (separate cost). Speaker: Meeting global competition case study Australian tomato processing industry Rob Rendell, RMCG An AFFCO World Class Workshop series AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 18 of 93

19 Wednesday 7 June STONEFRUIT FOCUS Sherbourne Terrace, Shepparton am Planning for the Future am Coffee break Industry snapshot production/marketing situation an independent view (John Baker, Produce Marketing Australia) Varietal planning for the future (Panda Ranch Group) Panel Forum Including Darryl Wallace / Mark Watson Coles/National Fresh Michael Silm Panda Ranch John Baker - PMA Nick Pagett Oztaste Wayne Boucher IDM Summerfruit Australia am Market access presentation representative Biosecurity Australia Subject availability STONEFRUIT FOCUS am pm Technical presentations pm Quick Lunch The basics of plant physiology, Growing for profit Marcel Veens/ Gavin Porter Maximising nutrient uptake through thick and thin under Australian conditions Doris Blaesing, Serve-Ag Pty Ltd pm New Zealand experience in managing crop load in Stonefruit Craig Hornblow, AgFirst Consultants including dormancy breakers, thinning, ATS pm Coffee break Using PGR s to improve quality, size, range, profitability and manageability Schalk Reynolds, Valent Bioscience South Africa pm An Orchard of the Future - Greg Dunne, Dookie College IPM strategies for stonefruit incl. Case study of commercial trials & monitoring of Western Flower Thrip in Qld.). Short mention on Brown Rot David Williams, Agriculture Victoria & Steve Tancred, Orchard Services 7.00 for 7.30 pm Dinner (in Shepparton) Separate cost An AFFCO World Class Workshop series AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 19 of 93

20 Thursday 8 June STONEFRUIT FOCUS Bus departs Shepparton 8.00 am Orchard Visits Facilitated by Marcel Veens Orchard Visits Invergordon - Joint initiatives in IPM (covered on the bus) Cobram - Stonefruit development for canning P. Pullar & Co P/L - Visit to Panda Ranch Karimba Orchards - Pruning for success Launch of Horticulture for Tomorrow environmental guidelines - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Susan Ley Farm visits to cover labour saving devices IPM strategies at work Nutritional management at work Croplands sprayer spray application use of ATS and thinning Lunch on bus or at Orchard dependent on timing Mid pm conclusion Return to Shepparton An AFFCO World Class Workshop series AFFCO World Class Workshop Final Report AP05031 Page 20 of 93