A new chapter opens for Cherry Growers Australia (CGA): from May 12, 2025, Penny Measham will be the new Chief Executive Officer of the association. A well-known and appreciated name in the Australian and international horticultural world, Penny brings with her extraordinary experience in research, trade, biosecurity, and agricultural development.
Alison Jones, president of CGA, expressed great enthusiasm for the appointment: “Welcoming Penny Measham as the new CEO is a privilege. Her dedication to the sector of cherries and her passion for working with CGA are well known. I am certain that producers and stakeholders will support her in this new challenge, strengthening the association’s position both nationally and internationally.”
Originally from Tasmania, Penny began her career alongside cherry growers during her studies in applied sciences. Her passion led her to complete a PhD on crucial topics for the sector, such as the causes of fruit cracking, while also contributing as a lecturer and researcher in industry-dedicated projects.
Her resume includes senior roles at Hort Innovation and the Queensland Department of Agriculture, where she led programs on foreign trade, market development, fruit production, crop protection, and biosecurity. In addition, Penny has been a board member and is recognized for her expertise in governance, strategic planning, and managing high-performance teams.
Globally, she has collaborated with the International Society of Horticultural Science and has participated as a speaker at major conferences on horticultural trade and production. Despite her international scope, Penny maintains a firm focus on Australia, aiming to generate concrete value for local cherry producers.
CGA aims to strengthen its influence in national and international markets, at a time when competitiveness and challenges related to climate, logistics, and global demand require enlightened leadership. The appointment of Penny Measham therefore represents a fundamental step to support the growth of the sector, in line with European dynamics where product valorization and innovation are at the heart of market strategies.
Source: cherrygrowers.org
03 Dec 2024
MaCrops-Lab has conducted evaluations of its products in commercial orchards in the municipality of Gorbea, with positive results such as increased nutrient solubilization and root mass development, frost protection, better stress tolerance, and improved health.
03 Jul 2024
'Thanks to the early blossoming this year, the harvest is particularly early,' explains Claus Schliecker, president of Landvolk Niedersachsen. He and his colleagues invest around EUR 120,000 per hectare to cover the cherry trees with rain covers and insect nets.
11 Jul 2025
Germany’s 2025 cherry harvest is projected at 49,900 tons, marking a 41% increase from 2024 and 10.4% above the 10-year average. Sweet cherries (Süßkirschen) show strong growth, while sour cherries (Sauerkirschen) also rebound. Favorable spring conditions boosted yields.
11 Jul 2025
Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid wasp, demonstrates strong overwintering ability in Michigan cherry and blueberry orchards. This finding supports its potential as a reliable biocontrol agent against Drosophila suzukii and for establishing stable populations across growing regions.
