Cherry growers from Young will not have far to travel this year for the 39th National Cherry Conference to be held over four days in Griffith from August 7.
NSW Department of Primary industries (DPI) horticulturalist, Jeremy Bright, said that while Griffith was not a cherry growing region it has been chosen to give growers important insights into a variety of horticultural industries which thrive in the region.
A strong contingent of growers from Young is however expected to take this opportunity to hear from industry experts in the local setting, recent conferences having being held in Adelaide and Tasmania.
“This year’s conference, the theme is Harvest and beyond and there are definitely lessons to be learned from some top end packing houses and exporters in the Griffith area,” Mr Bright said.
The conference will feature industry focused workshops as well as practical tours of several local farms, orchards, Renee’s potato packing sheds and Casella’s and Yellow Tail wineries.
Local industry figures will also share their knowledge with speakers including Steve Webb from Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Peter Daley speaking on International horticultural trade, John Morrisey on Industrial Relations reforms and Australian Workplace Agreements and Andrew Dick from AFCO talking on the Pink Lady Apples program in the United Kingdom.
Mr Bright said several international guest speakers have also been organized including Hank Markgraf, a horticulturalist in British Columbia advising over 950 growers of cherries, apples, pears, apricots, peaches and nectarines.
“Lynn Long from the Oregon State University will provide insights into world trends in cherry production including Chile, South Africa, China, Central Asia, Europe, Turkey, New Zealand and his home country, USA,” Mr Bright said.
“Dr Beth Mitcham from the University of California will share her knowledge of post harvest treatments, having worked closely with the Californian fruit industry where she has developed strategies to maintain fruit quality for export and to control insect and mite pests.”
Growers can register to attend the Conference to be held at Riverina Theatre in Griffith by contacting Joanne Wells at the NSW Cherry Growers Association on 02 6384 3285. Registration can be for the entire conference, single days or just the official dinner on Saturday night.