Welcome to the September 2026 edition of the Australian cherry industry newsletter. This issue brings together seasonal updates from the growing regions, the latest cherry research and practical resources for the season ahead. Catch up on CGA’s workforce advocacy and export activity, applications open for the new Emerging Cherry Leaders Program, new Cherry Picked podcast episodes, funding opportunities and industry events, plus tips for easing the mental load.
Date: 10 September 2026
Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) is joining calls from a broad coalition of Australian industry organisations for greater clarity and consultation regarding administrative changes and proposed reforms to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. CGA also supports the concerns being raised today through collective industry advocacy in Parliament House.
For many Australians, cherries are synonymous with summer and Christmas celebrations. Ensuring there is a reliable workforce available to harvest the crop is critical not only for growers, but also for consumers who expect to see premium Australian cherries on supermarket shelves during the festive season.
CGA Chief Executive Officer Penny Measham said workforce certainty is essential for an industry that operates within one of the most compressed harvest windows in Australian agriculture.
“The Australian cherry industry relies on access to seasonal labour that can be mobilised quickly during our short and intensive harvest period,” Dr Measham said.
“Unlike many industries, cherry growers have very little flexibility. In some growing regions, the entire harvest can be compressed into as little as four weeks. When fruit reaches maturity, it must be harvested immediately. There is no opportunity to pause, wait for workers to arrive, or extend harvest timelines.”
The Australian cherry industry produced 19,741 tonnes of fruit in 2024-25, generating approximately $301 million in farmgate value and more than $91 million in export earnings. The industry supports employment across orchards, packing facilities, logistics businesses and regional communities throughout Australia.
Cherry grower Stephen Riseborough said uncertainty around seasonal labour availability can have significant consequences for growers and regional communities.
“Growers make substantial investments throughout the year with one opportunity to harvest and market their crop.”
“Any uncertainty or disruption to seasonal labour availability can impact an entire harvest season. If fruit is not harvested at the right time, those opportunities and investments can be lost.”
Mr Riseborough said the issue extends beyond the farm gate.
“This is not only an issue for growers. It is an issue for regional communities, exporters, retailers and the many Australian families who look forward to enjoying Australian cherries each summer.”
“The reality is that if fruit cannot be harvested on time, consumers may see reduced availability of Australian cherries on supermarket shelves and in fresh produce stores during the festive season.”
CGA is one of 24 peak industry organisations that recently signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeking clarity on the Government’s intentions regarding potential WHM reforms and calling for meaningful consultation before any significant changes are implemented. The signatories span agriculture, horticulture, tourism, hospitality, accommodation, retail, childcare and small business sectors.
“The breadth of support behind this advocacy reflects the unique role the Working Holiday Maker program plays across the Australian economy,” Dr Measham said.
“Working Holiday Makers contribute as both visitors and workers. They support regional economies through tourism spending while also providing essential labour to industries facing persistent workforce shortages.”
CGA emphasised that both the WHM program and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme are essential components of Australia’s horticultural workforce framework.
“We strongly support both programs and reject the notion that they should be viewed as substitutes for one another,” Dr Measham said.
“PALM workers provide an experienced and reliable core workforce for many cherry businesses. The WHM program provides the flexibility and mobility needed to meet short-term harvest surges, particularly in industries such as cherries where labour demand can increase dramatically over a matter of weeks.”
CGA supports the Government’s commitment to worker welfare, program integrity and addressing worker exploitation. The organisation believes these objectives are best achieved through stronger compliance measures, effective enforcement activities and nationally consistent labour hire regulation, rather than reducing access to legitimate workforce programs that underpin Australian food production.
The industry also supports the policy principles outlined in the joint industry letter, including safeguarding specified work provisions, maintaining the demand-driven nature of the program, recognising the complementary roles of the WHM and PALM schemes, and ensuring any reforms are developed through evidence-based analysis and genuine consultation.”Growers are making decisions now about workforce planning, investment and harvest preparation,” Dr Measham said.
“What industry is seeking is clarity. We are asking Government to provide certainty not only for growers and regional businesses, but for all Australians who value access to premium Australian-grown produce.”
“The cherry industry is seeking a practical and evidence-based pathway forward. Clear communication, genuine consultation and consideration of the real-world impacts on growers will help ensure Australians can continue to enjoy premium Australian cherries during summer while supporting the regional communities that produce them.”
Media contact:
Gita Ricca, Communications Officer
About Cherry Growers Australia
Cherry Growers Australia is the national peak industry body representing Australian cherry growers. The Australian cherry industry produced 19,741 tonnes of cherries in 2024-25, generating approximately $301 million in farmgate value and supporting regional economies across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
Welcome to the August 2026 edition of the Australian cherry industry newsletter. This issue we have an update from our Emerging Leaders New Zealand study tour, research highlight updates across export and trade, biosecurity, levy projects, upcoming webinars, industry events, the Cherry Picked Podcast and more.
It is a full edition with plenty of news, resources and opportunities to help keep growers and industry connected and informed.
The 2026 Australian Cherry Industry Winter Webinar Series brought together researchers and industry specialists to share current research, practical insights and emerging developments relevant to cherry growers across Australia.
Hosted by the Extension and Communication for the Australian Cherry Industry project team, the four-part series explored key topics including pollination, fruit quality, cherry production in new and changing environments, and training and canopy systems.
Watch the full series below or view the playlist on the Cherry Growers Australia YouTube channel.
Explore current research and practical strategies to support effective pollination, improve fruit set and maximise orchard productivity.
Speakers include:
Learn about current work focused on delivering consistent, high quality fruit to meet market expectations and improve returns.
Speakers include:
This webinar explores changes to cherry production systems, including production under protective covers, climate considerations and new ways of managing cherry orchards.
Speakers include:
Discover how different training and canopy management approaches can influence tree performance, fruit quality, labour efficiency and long term orchard productivity.
Speakers include:
Button: Watch Webinar 4
This webinar series was delivered through the Extension and Communication for the Australian Cherry Industry project, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture cherry researchers are investigating optimal Gibberellic acid (GA3) strategies to improve fruit firmness and quality for export markets.
Project leader, Dr Alieta Eyles, says, “It’s important that the research reflects the different growing conditions and protected cropping systems under which the Tasmanian industry is operating, to better understand how the trialled strategies improve fruit development and ripening in readiness for export. It’s all about maximising the profitability of the exported product.”
The project has released an update on the learnings over three seasons, with a fourth in the planning. The fact sheet overviews the meta-analysis results to date across different timing, rates of application, and training and cover systems.
Access the fact sheet directly from TIA’s website here.
For more on the extensive research underway by TIA under this program of research: Sustainably growing horticulture value in cool climate Australia | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
This project is part of the Sustainably growing horticulture value in cool climate Australia (AS20004) program, funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with contributions from the Australian Government, and co-investment from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture-University of Tasmania. It is supported by local industry partners Reids Fruit, Hansen Orchards, Wandin Valley, Stonecrest Cherries and Lucaston Park.
Welcome to the July 2026 edition of the Australian cherry industry newsletter. This issue we have the state round-ups, Chile study tour feature and updates across export and trade, biosecurity, levy projects, upcoming webinars, industry events, the Cherry Picked Podcast and more.
It is a full edition with plenty of news, resources and opportunities to help keep growers and industry connected and informed.
This project is part of the NSW regional growers’ program within the extension and communication project for the Australian cherry industry (CY20022).
This is an ongoing demonstration trial where information will be regularly updated on its progress on this webpage. Continue to visit this page to follow along on results and outcomes until the completion of this project in April 2028.
Cover crops are emerging as a valuable tool for perennial horticultural industries to use to improve soil sustainability and long‑term productivity. Defined as close-growing crops that can protect and improve soil fertility, cover crops can add diversity to an orchard system, which is useful for promoting biodiversity, increasing nutrient turnover, and providing resilience to climate stressors such as intense heat and precipitation (Demir et al., 2019). Cover crops are also an effective way to increase organic matter and nutrients in the soil (Dad et al., 2021). By integrating selected plant species within the treeline, growers can improve soil structure, boost organic matter, support beneficial insects, and reduce erosion. This case study explores how cherry growers could add cover crops strategies to their orchard operations, the practical considerations involved, and the benefits or challenges experienced when utilising them.
To compare the effectiveness of utilising a cover crop within the treeline of a cherry orchard, NSW DPIRD have planted a small demonstration study site in Orange NSW. The cover crop was planted in Autumn 2026, and consists of the following species.
Figure 1. Kidney weed. Photo sourced from: Dawsons Garden World.
Figure 2. Subterranean clover. Photo sourced from: Sheldon Navie, Weeds of Australia
Figure 3. Red clover. Photo sourced from: Matt Taylor, Weeds of Australia.
Crops were hand sown, and incorporated using a hand held rake. Regular post-harvest irrigation was continued until leaf fall.
As part of the demonstration, NSW DPIRD will be collecting the following data to compare the effect cover crops on the soil, tree health and fruit quality.
Results for the first season of the trial will be available December 2026. You can keep up to date with the trial through this website page, the cherry industry newsletter or attending one of the NSW regional grower group meetings.
This project is part of the NSW regional growers’ program within the Extension and Communication Project for the Australian cherry industry (CY20022).
This is an ongoing demonstration trial where information will be regularly updated on its progress on this webpage. Continue to visit this page to follow along on results and outcomes until the completion of this project in April 2028.
Jessica Fearnley-Pattison, NSW DPIRD
In a proactive move to boost fruit quality and reduce weather-related risks, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has explored the use of self-ventilating rain covers in sweet cherry orchards in Orange, NSW. This innovative approach highlights the benefits of protected cropping, offering growers greater control over orchard conditions while supporting premium fruit production.
Key Benefits of Self-Ventilating Rain Covers:
While some growers have weighed the costs and labour involved in installation, advancements like automated systems are streamlining the process, making this solution increasingly accessible.
With Orange’s unique climate, from hot summer days to cold winter nights, these rain covers are helping growers manage fluctuating conditions, future-proof their crops and meet consumer demand for high-quality cherries.
As climate variability continues, this forward-thinking approach offers cherry growers a practical tool to safeguard their harvests and strengthen the industry’s resilience.
See the factsheet and learn more about NSW DPIRD’s research into protected cropping and how it’s shaping the future of horticulture HERE.
The cherry industry is rapidly expanding in Australia to meet increased global consumer demand.
To continue sustainable growth, the industry needs to produce high yields of good quality cherries and improve market access. For a current industry situation analysis, NSW DPI interviewed 52 NSW growers to discuss their production, challenges and opportunities for research.
This report includes the outcomes from these interviews, including targeted areas for research and development for the NSW cherry industry.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture conducted research trials on cherries at multiple sites in Tasmania, supported by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy.
The cherry research team aimed to better understand how nitrogen can be managed to maximise productivity and fruit quality, minimise losses to the environment and provide economic benefits to producers.
This case study details how cherry growers can use nitrogen more efficiently for a better financial outcome.
Read Full Report HERE.
Director
Coming Soon
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024