APAL Grower R&D Day & Orchard Tour

Apple and Pear Australia Limited

The much-anticipated Grower R&D Day will take place in on 1 September, followed by an orchard and packhouse tour on 2 September 2022.

ZINC at Federation Square

Hosted by the APAL team behind Future Orchards®, this is an opportunity to connect with 80+ growers, crop advisors and renowned researchers to explore the latest research findings from the world of pome fruit.  Dedicated to sharing the latest research projects and highlights from the world of Agri-Technology, the program explores: <ul><li>Selection and integration of automation and precision tools in orchards</li><li>Future of crop protection</li><li>Apple and pear grower levy funded PIPS3 research</li><li>Business and benchmarking to make financial decisions</li><li>In-orchard demonstrations and discussion of orchard business, and a packhouse tour in Southern Victoria</li></ul>Held in-person over two days, the program includes a mix of keynote presentations, research updates, panel discussions, demonstrations, networking drinks and an orchard tour. <h3>Why attend? </h3>High-calibre agenda: World-renowned researchers and fellow growers will challenge your thinking on orchard management techniques.  Unparalleled networking: Connect with growers and researchers over a thought-provoking program, finishing Day One with networking drinks.News you can use: Our jam packed agenda will provide you with the R&D insights, first-hand perspectives and hands-on learnings to drive change in your orchard.  Orchard tour: Go behind the scenes at some of Southern Victoria's leading orchard businesses and packhouses on a hosted bus tour on Day Two. <h3>Speakers &amp; Presentations</h3>DAY 1 – THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBERSmarter orchards: Integration and adoption of agtech in orchard business<ul><li>Agtech decision-making frameworks: Implementation vs impact | Jesse Reader, Costa Group</li><li>Being part of tech development and integration | Gaethan Cutri, Cutri Fruit</li><li>Integration and adoption of mechanisation and data collection to improve labour efficiency and business decision-making | Mark Trzaskoma, Battunga Orchards</li></ul>Apples and pears now and into the future<ul><li>SINATA (Strategic Irrigation and Nitrogen Assessment Tool) for apples | Nigel Swarts, University of Tasmania</li><li>Mastrus Wasp update | Greg Lefoe, AgVic</li><li>Pneumatic leaf defoliation: Benefits and issues explored | Nic Finger and Eric Zhang, Fruithelp</li><li>The New Zealand Sustainability Project and zero sprays by 2050 | Rachel Kilmister, New Zealand Apples and Pears</li><li>Crop protection in apple and pear orchards: What does the future look like? | Dave Rumbold, Nufarm</li><li>Plant growth regulators: Where are we now? | Jack Bartels, Sumitomo Chemical Australia</li><li>Biosecurity: Why should I bother? | Kevin Clayton-Greene, Biosecurity Consultant and Rose Daniel, APAL</li><li>Pollination and pollinisers in netted apple orchards | Katja Hogendoorn, University of Adelaide</li><li>Pear training systems: Recommendations for growers | Lexie McClymont, Agriculture Victoria Research</li><li>Next generation rootstock demonstration updates | Tom Frankcomb, APAL</li><li>Soil health and apple orchard floor management | Sally Bound, University of Tasmania</li><li>Biennial bearing | Tim Plozza, Agriculture Victoria Research</li></ul>Orchard Business<ul><li>The economics of replanting | Dave Gleason, Horticulturalist and proprietary variety developer, Domex Superfresh Growers</li><li>Using the OBA to support your orchard business and decision-making | Ross Wilson, AgFirst NZ</li><li>WA PlanFarm benchmarking | Mark Scott, APAL</li></ul>DAY 2 – FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBEROrchard and Packhouse Tour, Southern VictoriaDuring the Orchard Tour, hear discussions on precision horticulture and technologies to improve orchard efficiency and decision-making in-orchard.The Orchard Tour will be followed by lunch at Montague’s and a tour of the packing shed.<h3>Tickets</h3>Please see below the ticket options available for purchase for the APAL Grower R&D Day and Orchard Tour:<ul><li>APAL Member | Grower R&D Day Pass (Day 1 only) – A$105.00</li><li>APAL Member | All-Access Pass (Day 1 &amp; 2) – A$155.00</li><li>Non-Member | Grower R&D Day Pass (Day 1 only) – A$195.00</li></ul>Note: Tickets for the Orchard Tour (Day 2 only) are not available for purchase. Places on the Orchard Tour are strictly limited, APAL Members will be prioritised. If you would like further information on APAL Membership, please contact us at APALinfo@apal.org.au or phone +61 3 9329 3511.<h3>FAQ about the event:</h3>Q. Can I drive to the Orchard Tour venues in my own car? A. Due to a restricted number of places, only those on the APAL-hosted bus can attend the Orchard Tour. Places on the Orchard Tour are strictly limited, APAL Members will be prioritised.If you are NOT a Member but are interested in attending the Orchard Tour, please indicate your interest when registering, and APAL will be in touch if any places become available.If you would like further information on APAL Membership, please contact us at APALinfo@apal.org.au or phone +61 3 9329 3511.