Australia: APAL 'disappointed' with rejection of SPC aid package - FreshFruitPortal.com

Australia: APAL 'disappointed' with rejection of SPC aid package

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Australia: APAL 'disappointed' with rejection of SPC aid package

In the wake of the Australian Federal Government rejection of an aid package for SPC Ardmona's Shepparton cannery in Victoria, a pome fruit industry group has described the move as a "sad blow". pears

However, despite the mood of disappointment, Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL) has expressed its support for fruit growers as they faced the future.

"It's a tough day for a lot of fruit growers in the Goulburn Valley who supply SPC Ardmona," APAL CEO John Dollisson said in a release.

"While we are disappointed with the governmentā€™s decision, we have to look to the future and create new opportunities for growers.

"For example, there is huge potential for growers to diversify their pear production, plant improved varieties and aim to export their fruit ā€“ to make their businesses and their orchards more competitive and profitable."

Click here for a video of APAL's message in the wake of the decision.

Around 90% of Australiaā€™s pears and 40% of its apples are grown in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria, where the SPC factory is located.

"We will be doing everything we can to support our growers there to help them plan for their future in the wake of this news."

An APAL release highlighted it was helping develop new pear varieties for Australian growers through its support for New Zealand-based breeder Prevar. The association also established the Pear Steering Committee last year to find and identify ways to help pear growers.

"Australian growers could successfully export more pears and apples because our growers are known worldwide for producing clean green safe fruit, which is highly valued in many importing countries.

"APAL is already supporting growers to evaluate, explore and enter export markets, and we will make a special effort in supporting our Goulburn Valley growers to transform their production where they want to.

"We hope the government will now look at other ways to support apple and pear growers so the industry can thrive and so we can continue to supply Australians and potentially the world with our world class fruit."

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

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