Future Orchards® program set for a boost with APAL’s new Industry Services Manager for Grower Development and Trials
Nic Finger, Industry Services Manager for Grower Development and Trials
APAL is delighted to welcome Nic Finger to the APAL team as the Industry Services Manager for Grower Development and Trials, on a permanent part time basis, as he continues to work privately with existing growers through his business, Fruit Help.
Nic grew up on his family’s orchard in the Yarra Valley before completing a Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) and Master of Agricultural Science at Melbourne University. After completing his studies, he relocated to New Zealand and worked at AgFirst as a horticultural consultant, focused on research trials and apple production in Hawke’s Bay.
Nic returned to Australia in 2020 to start his own consultancy business, Fruit Help, focusing on all aspects of apple and pear production as well as research trials. Over this time, APAL and Nic have formed a close working relationship, with Nic working within the Future Orchards® program, national crop forecast and orchard census projects.
As Nic takes over the management of the Future Orchards® program, he looks forward to ensuring Future Orchards® continues to deliver relevant and timely information directly to growers.
“I hope to better engage growers by bringing international tours back onto the agenda, as well as engaging with the next generation of growers to ensure their professional development needs are being met,” Nic said.
“In addition, I will be introducing a national small-scale research trial program in the coming months – keep an eye out for further announcements!”
“Nic’s expertise in the technical side of growing, connection to industry and his strong understanding of APAL’s key programs will enable him to make a great contribution to both APAL and the Australian apple and pear industry,” said Justin Smith, APAL’s Head of Industry Services.
