The National Development Program

The national cherry industry development program (NDP) arose from a collaborative process, and has been active since July 2013. With the Australian cherry industry continuing to expand and develop, there was a need to provide opportunities for engagement with research to ensure that growers are at the ‘leading edge’ of technology and information, and be responsive to any need for change or expansion. Last year the program’s aim was to visit all participating states (Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales) and to raise awareness. The program was presented to the levy-payers meeting at NSW national conference in Canberra, and heated discussion ensued as to immediate needs and ways forward. The program responded quickly to these needs and contributed to export workshops in SA, VIC, NSW and Tasmania. The program was introduced to the Tasmanian growers more fully at the fgt cherry seminar evening. Additionally the program supported R&D presentations in SA, VIC and WA, with an orchard walk in WA hosted by the Donnybrook Orchard Improvement Group at the property of growers Terry and Joe Martella. This year’s aim is to support the industry to increase export-readiness, increase exports, and build greater capacity to fully seize opportunities as they arise.