2026 APAL Short Course in Fruit Production
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 are 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.
Thanks to additional support from Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience Program, participant co-contribution has been reduced to just $150 per person.
Participants will receive a set of comprehensive notes for all topics presented, additional material and a textbook on temperate fruit production. Catering is provided during the core training days, and a group dinner is included during the week. Travel and accommodation are not included.
If you are stepping up in your own role, or you have someone in your business ready to take the next step, this course is a practical way to build confidence and strengthen decision-making.
Places are limited and eligibility will be determined by APAL on an individual basis. To register, please send an expression of interest (EOI) with your full name, age, job title, company name, phone number and email to [email protected].
If you need additional information, read the FAQ below or contact [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for younger growers and people new to the industry, as well as those stepping into orchard management responsibilities. It focuses on developing a strong foundational understanding of orchard tasks and improving capability in areas participants are less familiar with.
What knowledge is assumed?
The course assumes a basic level of experience (i.e. completed at least one season on-farm, or familiarity with day-to-day operations). The course is presented in a classroom setting and clarifying questions can be asked of presenters as needed.
When is the course?
10–16 June 2026. The course includes five core training days (Wednesday to Friday and Monday to Tuesday), with an optional weekend social program in between the ‘formal’ training days.
Where is it held?
The course is held in the Goulburn Valley at Agriculture Victoria’s Tatura SmartFarm. Participants from outside the region are encouraged to stay in Shepparton for the week and APAL is happy to assist with ride sharing and/or airport transfers to Shepparton (please make this known during registration).
What topics are covered?
Topics include orchard economics, tree physiology, flowering and fruit set, crop loading, training systems, chemical thinning and growth regulator use, soil and drainage, irrigation, nutrition, pest and disease management, and postharvest management.
What does it cost?
The subsidised course cost is $150 (inc. GST) per person. Following registration, an invoice will be issued for the course cost.
What is included in the fee?
The fee includes a set of comprehensive notes for all topics presented, additional material and a textbook on temperate fruit production. Catering is provided on the core training days (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) and one group dinner is included. Breakfast, dinner on other evenings and any travel expenses will be at the cost of the participant.
Is there a social program?
Yes. A weekend social program is available and includes an optional Melbourne component. Participation is optional and will likely include a fruit-related excursion and an AFL game.
What is not included?
Travel and accommodation are not included. Participants arrange their own travel, accommodation and meals outside the catered program.
I am travelling from interstate. Will transfers be available?
Assistance with transfers will be available for interstate travellers. Please contact APAL if you have any questions.
How do I register or ask a question?
Places are limited and eligibility will be determined by APAL on an individual basis. To ask a question or to register, please send an expression of interest (EOI) with your full name, age, job title, company name, phone number and email to [email protected].
Acknowledgement
The Short Course in Fruit Production is delivered by APAL as part of the Building capability program for emerging leaders (AP25001). This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation 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.
