2021 Autumn Future Orchards® Walk – Tasmania

Future Orchards®

Is Covid-19 reshaping our orchards and industry?

In coming years, we may reflect on 2020 as the year we saw a step-change in how our industry attracts and retains permanent and seasonal labour.

So what could a more resilient and reliable labour supply look like, how will our orchard design and operations need to change, and how will this flow through to immediate and longer-term business investments and profitability?

Ross Wilson and Craig Hornblow from AgFirst will join our Autumn Future Orchards® walks online from New Zealand to explore some actions that you can take to reshape your labour needs and your orchard to

• get the job done on time and well
• reduce the costs of labour per kg of fruit
• ensure orchards are workable by a broader demographic of staff, and
• make orchards an employer of choice

Local Updates

APAL FLA Sophie Folder will provide update on

• apple replant decline rootstock trial,
• Smitten hand thinning trial, and
• last season’s Gala eating experience trial

Local Orchard walk – R&R Smith’s Grove Orchard

Join APAL board director and Orchard Manager Scott Price at R&R Smith’s Grove Orchard to discuss

• their new harvest platforms and  how they are adapting their workforce and orchard for platform use this harvest, and
• orchard floor management practices used in organic orchards.

Ryan Hankin and Nigel Bartels will share their experiences and practical tips for using platforms.

Program outline

Registration is essential to ensure compliance with COVID safety regulations.

By registering in advance you will receive a reminder the day before and an hour before the event commences.

For further information

APAL Tasmania Front Line Adviser – Sophie Folder on 0439 247 172 or via email [email protected]

Proudly supported by  

Future Orchards® is an APAL project funded by Hort Innovation using the apple and pear levy with matched funds from the Australian Government.