Funding for benchmarking and building capability

APAL to deliver two Hort Innovation-funded projects to help growers gain a competitive edge and to build orcharding and leadership skills in the industry.

Australian apple and pear growers are set to benefit from two new projects funded by Hort Innovation and delivered by APAL.

Equipping growers to make data-driven decisions

The two-year Apple and pear orchard benchmarking (AP25002) project is a new national benchmarking initiative aimed at improving industry profitability, efficiency and long-term sustainability.

This project builds on more than 15 years of industry data collection and analysis through APAL’s Orchard Business Analysis (OBA) report. It will measure and standardise the cost of production and fruit returns data, giving orchard businesses a clearer picture of their performance and areas for improvement.

It aims to provide growers with clear, consistent and accessible data on orchard performance – spanning financial, operational and productivity metrics. This data will empower growers to identify cost-saving opportunities, make better-informed decisions and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

APAL CEO Philip Turnbull said the project is a timely and practical tool for growers navigating rising input costs and shifting market demands.

“Growers are constantly looking for ways to improve their operations, and this project gives them the insights to do just that. By benchmarking against industry standards, businesses can pinpoint where they’re excelling and where there’s room to improve.”

Andrew Francey, General Manager of Industry Service Delivery at Hort Innovation said the initiative would equip growers with the tools they need to make confident, data-driven decisions.

“With robust benchmarking data, businesses can take targeted action to improve efficiency and long-term sustainability. This is about helping growers understand their performance and make informed choices that support their bottom line,” Andrew said.

“The productivity report identified automated data collection as one of the four key drivers of productivity and this project directly facilitates that by giving growers access to consistent, actionable data,” he said.

More information

The Orchard Business Analysis report is available exclusively to levy-paying growers. To request a copy, email [email protected].

Upskilling current and future generations

The second project to receive funding is the Building capability program for emerging leaders (AP25001), which aims to strengthen technical and leadership skills across the apple and pear industry.

Building on the success of APAL’s Short Course in Fruit Production in 2024 and Leadership Course in 2025 (which was a component of the Developing orchardists of the future pilot program), this new project combines technical orchard training with people management and leadership development.

The five-year program will provide new entrants and emerging leaders with the tools they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector. Technical training will be offered in 2026 and 2028, leadership development in 2027 and 2029, and a final alumni-driven phase in 2030 to address evolving industry needs.

This year’s technical training will be held in the Goulburn Valley from 10–16 June. Participants in the Short Course in Fruit Production will gain practical knowledge in orchard economics, crop management, irrigation and soil health, pest and disease control, and postharvest handling.

The leadership development part of the program in 2027 will dive into building leadership skills such as communication, team dynamics, and transitioning from peer to manager.

Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation explained what this means for the industry: “Investing in capability building ensures the next generation of leaders are equipped with both technical expertise and strong leadership skills. This program will help futureproof the apple and pear industry by fostering talent and innovation.”

Read on to find out more about the Short Course in Fruit Production.

Acknowledgement

The Building capability program for emerging leaders (AP25001) and Apple and pear orchard benchmarking (AP25002) project are funded by Hort Innovation, using the apple and pear research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

As part of the Short Course in Fruit Production the 2024 cohort toured Agriculture Victoria’s Tatura SmartFarm, and orchards and packhouses in the Goulburn Valley.

Build your capability in the orchard

Good orchard decisions come from understanding what is happening in the tree, in the soil and across the season, and then applying that knowledge when conditions change.

If you are a younger grower or new to the industry and you want to build a strong technical foundation, improve your understanding of common orchard tasks and lift capability in areas you have had less exposure to, join APAL’s Short Course in Fruit Production from 10–16 June 2026.

Piloted in 2024, this course is a component of the new Hort Innovation-funded Building capability program for emerging leaders (AP25001). It has been co-designed with younger industry members to ensure that the material is both engaging and relevant to their needs.

Across five core training days, you’ll learn about orchard economics, tree growth and physiology, flowering and fruit set, pruning and training systems, thinning and growth regulator use, soil and drainage, irrigation and nutrition strategies, pest and disease management, and pre- and post-harvest considerations including storage.

A basic level of experience is assumed. If you have completed at least one season on-farm and you understand the range of tasks across the year, you will be well placed to get value from the course.

The course will be held at Agriculture Victoria’s Tatura SmartFarm precinct in the Goulburn Valley. It will run Wednesday to Friday and then Monday to Tuesday within the 10–16 June dates. A weekend social program is offered for those who would like additional networking time, including an optional Melbourne component. Participation in the social program is optional and details will be shared separately.

Visit https://apal.org.au/events/2026-apal-short-course-in-fruit-production/ for more information.

To register, send an expression of interest with your full name, age, job title, company name, phone number and email to [email protected].

This article was first published in the Autumn 2026 edition of AFG.