News about Australia

Pollinator flies: a new frontier for sustainable fruit growing

Tech management

15 Dec 2025

With bee health under threat and wild pollinators in decline, an innovative project is turning to flies as alternative pollinators for crops like cherries, avocados and vegetables, offering a practical solution to build a more resilient and sustainable fruit production system.

Australian cherries: delayed season but promising quality and Sustainability

Production

09 Dec 2025

The 2025 cherry season in Australia begins with a slight delay caused by unseasonal cold, but experts expect excellent fruit quality. Meanwhile, initiatives like Farmers Pick rescue cherries rejected for cosmetic flaws, helping reduce waste across the supply chain.

Parisi and Trims Fresh Crowned Cherry Royalty at Sydney’s Cherry Ball

Events

04 Dec 2025

At Sydney Markets’ annual Cherry Ball, a record-breaking A$260,000 was raised for Little Wings, a charity supporting seriously ill children. Parisi and Trims Fresh Merrylands were crowned 2025 Cherry King and Queen, each placing top bids on a premium Royal Hazel cherry box.

Single-wavelength NIR imaging and Machine Learning: a new frontier for detecting Qfly damage in cherries

Quality

26 Nov 2025

The use of 730 nm NIR imaging combined with artificial intelligence enables accurate detection of Qfly oviposition marks on fresh cherries in Australia, improving quality control and phytosanitary safety throughout the fruit supply chain for international export markets.

Australian cherries: winning strategies across social media, retail and Asian export

Markets

07 Nov 2025

In 2024/25, Hort Innovation drove a full-scale strategy to promote Australian cherries: targeted social campaigns, retail training, and Asian export promotions led to an 11.8% sales boost in stores and a 46% export growth in Vietnam, strengthening the entire supply chain.

Australia launches export plan: premium cherries target global markets

Markets

24 Oct 2025

Australia launches a new strategy to triple cherry exports by 2030, focusing on quality, premium markets, grower training and market access. Led by Hort Innovation, the plan aims to position Australian cherries as a top-tier product in international markets.

Cherries under cover: retractable roofs shield orchards from extreme weather

Covers

23 Sep 2025

Retractable roof systems like AutoDry™ are being tested in Canada and Australia to protect orchards—especially cherries—from rain and heat. These solutions aim to boost fruit quality, yields, and profits, helping growers recover from years of climate-related losses.

Tree training in narrow orchard systems: the NOS project in Australia

Planting systems

23 Sep 2025

Advanced tree training techniques in narrow orchard systems: shoot removal, horizontal cordons and vertical leaders for cherry, plum, apple, pear and nectarine. The NOS project operates in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and NSW with multiple trial sites.

Australian cherries 2025/26: production drops by 10%, Tasmania holds steady

Production

09 Sep 2025

Australian cherry production is expected to drop to 18,000 metric tons in 2025/26, marking the worst season in five years. While most growing regions face climate risks, Tasmania stands out with favorable conditions and strong potential for quality fruit and export.

Penny Measham appointed as new CEO of Cherry Growers Australia: expert leadership for cherries

Production

09 May 2025

Cherry Growers Australia appoints Penny Measham as new CEO from May 12, 2025. With an international background, she will confidently lead the cherry sector towards new goals, boosting global presence and strongly supporting local Australian growers.