Industry Advocacy

Australian apple and pear growers are operating in an increasingly challenging commercial environment, with rising production costs, changing consumer expectations and evolving retail market dynamics placing continued pressure on business profitability.

APAL advocates for a fair, transparent and sustainable fresh produce supply chain that enables growers to receive an equitable return for the value they create. We work with government, retailers and industry partners to improve market transparency, strengthen commercial relationships and ensure growers have a stronger voice in discussions that affect their businesses.

Our advocacy focuses on:

• Supporting fair and transparent trading relationships across the fresh produce supply chain.
• Advocating for effective implementation and continual improvement of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
• Representing grower interests in discussions relating to supermarket practices, competition and market transparency.
• Promoting policies that support long-term grower profitability and business sustainability.
• Encouraging greater collaboration across the supply chain to deliver better outcomes for growers and consumers.

Australia’s apple and pear industry plays an important role in the nation’s food security by providing consumers with a reliable supply of fresh, locally grown fruit.

Maintaining a strong domestic production base is essential to ensuring Australia’s food system remains resilient in the face of changing economic, environmental and geopolitical conditions. APAL advocates for policies that recognise the strategic importance of horticulture and support long-term investment in the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the apple and pear industry.

Our advocacy focuses on:

• Recognising horticulture as a critical component of Australia’s food security.
• Supporting policies that strengthen domestic production capability.
• Encouraging long-term investment in the apple and pear industry.
• Improving industry resilience to future economic, environmental and market challenges.
• Promoting evidence-based policy that supports sustainable food production.

Australia’s strong biosecurity system underpins the success of the apple and pear industry and protects growers from pests and diseases that threaten productivity, market access and profitability.

Maintaining this competitive advantage requires ongoing investment in prevention, surveillance and preparedness. APAL continues to advocate for strong border protections, science-based biosecurity policy and greater awareness of biosecurity risks across the supply chain and broader community.

Our advocacy supports:

• Strong border and import controls.
• Early detection and rapid response capability.
• Investment in national biosecurity preparedness.
• Education and awareness across industry and the community.
• Policies that protect Australia’s clean, green reputation and export opportunities.

Strong advocacy relies on meaningful engagement with decision-makers across all levels of government.

APAL works closely with Federal and State Governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure the interests of Australian apple and pear growers are represented in policy development and decision-making. Our advocacy is supported by industry data, member feedback and collaboration with industry partners to deliver practical, evidence-based outcomes.

Our advocacy activities include:

• Preparing submissions and responses to government consultations.
• Meeting with Ministers, government agencies and policymakers.
• Participating in national industry committees and advisory groups.
• Working collaboratively with peak industry organisations on shared priorities.
• Representing grower interests on emerging policy and regulatory issues.