The Western Australian government has recently invested in new projects in the agriculture and food space, including $1.2 million to boost production of fruit, and a research initiative to grow the state’s beef industry.
The investment of $1.2 million aims to better support sustainable production of orchard fruit in Western Australia. Granted to the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute, it will be focused on increasing apple production from high density plantings in a narrow orchard system. The 2D orchard design allows for better light distribution through the tree canopy which encourages earlier fruiting, as well as improved fruit uniformity, colour and size.
The five-year national Hort Innovation project is a collaboration with other states, universities and industry, including Pomewest and local AgTech business Tobias Industries, and will develop guidelines for narrow orchard systems and tools for a range of fruit businesses.
There is growing evidence from Europe that narrow orchard systems create more sustainable businesses with less waste, improved labour use and greater profitability.
The project will also explore the use of mechanisation, robotics, sensors and other AgTech to create more efficient orchard management.
Options being considered include autonomous ground vehicles, such as a mower and/or sprayer, to reduce labour costs and irrigation soil and plant sensors to tailor water use and maximise water use efficiency.
Agriculture and Food Minister, Jackie Jarvis, said narrow orchard systems are the future of modern fruit production, and will improve quality, productivity and profitability.
“The Cook Government's significant investment in this research will help WA's valuable fruit industry to become more economically and environmentally sustainable with less food waste,” said Jarvis.
“Consumers will also get to enjoy the benefits of more consistent supplies of premium quality WA fruit.”
Regenerating the rangelands
The government, in partnership with industry leaders, has also launched a new research project called the Pilbara Extension Network (PEN), which aims to transform agriculture in the northern rangelands.
The PEN is the first project to be developed under the Pilbara Innovation Partnership, a $6.4 million, four-year research collaboration between Rio Tinto, Meat and Livestock Australia, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
As part of the initiative, seven participating cattle stations in the Pilbara will deliver on-ground projects while receiving tailored training and mentoring.
On-ground projects at Koodarrie station in Onslow, Wyloo station in Nanutarra, as well as Warrawagine and Yarrie stations in Marble Bar will investigate state-of-the-art technology and the latest approaches to grazing and land management to regenerate the rangelands and boost business potential.
Sylvania station, in Newman, will examine the use of advanced genetic testing and targeted breeding techniques to produce cattle better suited to the landscape, while Hillside station in Nullagine, and Limestone station in Marble Bar, will explore the use of advanced herd management tools and techniques.
“The Pilbara Extension Network is a unique initiative that will empower local leaders to implement innovations that address challenges faced daily by pastoralists,” said Jarvis.
“Participants will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of R&D proposals, while playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the northern beef industry. This partnership is a terrific model of industry and government collaboration towards a common goal of building business and rangelands resilience in WA's valuable pastoral sector.”
PEN members will also take on leadership roles in three R&D network hubs to be established in the west Pilbara, north-central Pilbara, and east Pilbara and share outcomes, knowledge and experiences. Once established, the network will lay sound foundations for future innovative projects that advance the northern pastoral industry.
The training will equip industry participants with the skills to identify and design future R&D projects for the northern beef industry, fostering opportunities for investments that deliver social, environmental, and financial benefits.
