Antony Spruce from EE Muirs talks about cherry thinning to prevent over cropping.
Professor Matt Whiting talks about orchards of the future at CGA’s Production Webinars (2021)
Effective use of light and space beneath a protected cropping system is vital to ensure high yields of optimal quality fruit. The training of orchards to planar training systems i growing globally due to their increased light interception, simple pruning practices and ease of harvest.
Simon Rouget from Koala Cherries shows how to prune Lapins
Andrew Smith, Jotham Grace and Paul Bigley discuss Bud & Flower Optimisation in fruit growing and the critical nutritional requirements through this phase.
Jess Fearnley from NSW DPI talks about the climatic suitability of NSW and northern Victoria for cherry growing. This presentation was part of the Cherry Growers Australia 2021 production webinars.
Greg Lang Workshop August 2024 – Greg Lang and Earnscy Weaver discuss crop load management techniques at Yarra Valley Cherries in Victoria. This insightful discussion covers strategies to optimise yield, improve fruit quality, and enhance orchard efficiency.
Professor Matt Whiting from Washington State University talks about managing cropload at the 2020 Export Workshop.
Antony Spruce from EE Muirs talks about cherry thinning to prevent over cropping.
Simon Rouget from Koala Cherries shows how to prune Lapins.
Russell Fox from IK Caldwell talks about plant growth regulators at the recent Cherry Cropload Forum.
Andrew Smith and Joe Grace talk about how nutrition influences crop load and fruit quality at the CGA cropload management forum.
Mike Omeg talks about predicting and managing cropload at the 2020 Export Workshop.
Professor Paul Cunningham of AgriBio talks about their new project on the biological control of fruit fly. Recorded at the CGA cherry production webinars in 2021.
Jeff Mathsen talks about bee management in the cherry orchard. This presentation was part of the Cherry Growers Australia 2021 production webinar series.
Alistair Gracie talks about supplementary pollination at the 2022 cherry conference. Mechanical pollination offers an exciting technology to improve crop performance in protected tree production.
Mike Omeg from Orchard View Cherries shows how to count flowers in dormant buds and follow that up with fruit set counts to predict yield.
Professor Matt Whiting from Washington State University talks about managing cropload at the 2020 Export Workshop.
Russell Fox from IK Caldwell talks about plant growth regulators at the Cherry Cropload Forum 2020
Mike Omeg talks about predicting and managing cropload at the 2020 Export Workshop
Our orchard tours breakfast was proudly sponsored by Muirs, Rob Salmon from Muirs welcomes everyone to the day and provides an overview of how Muirs supports the cherry industry.
Start your day at Lucaston Park Orchards in Tasmania with Andrew Griggs as he welcomes delegates with a warm breakfast introduction at Cherry 2024.
Andrew shares a brief history of the orchard, from its early days as an apple orchard to its growth into a leader in cherry production, blending tradition with innovation.
Join Andrew Smith, owner of Willie Smith’s Orchard and Cidery, as he shares the rich history of his family’s orchard during a delightful lunch at the Apple Shed in Grove, Tasmania. Established in 1888 by his great-grandfather, Willie Smith, the orchard has been nurtured through four generations, evolving from traditional apple farming to producing award-winning organic ciders. Andrew discusses the family’s commitment to organic farming practices and sustainability, reflecting on how the orchard has adapted over the years while preserving its heritage. He also highlights the transformation of the original apple packing shed, built in 1942, into the Apple Shed—a hub that now houses a museum showcasing the history of apple farming in the Huon Valley, a ciderhouse, and a distillery producing fine apple spirits. This video offers a unique glimpse into the legacy of Willie Smith’s Orchard and Cidery, illustrating how tradition and innovation have intertwined to create a thriving, sustainable business that continues to celebrate its roots in the Huon Valley.
Watch the full playlist on our YouTube channel HERE. The Cherry Nutrition & Spray Best Practice Winter Webinar Series brought together experts from across the horticulture sector to share practical strategies and the latest research to support growers in preparing for the 2025/26 cherry season.
Andrew Smith and Joe Grace talk about how nutrition influences crop load and fruit quality at the CGA cropload management forum.
Nigel Swarts talks about findings from the TIA cherry research team on how nitrogen can be managed to maximise productivity and fruit quality, minimise losses to the environment and provide economic benefits to producers. Nigel spoke at the 2022 Cherry Conference.
Join agronomist Sam Smee from Muirs at Cherry 2024 as he delves into the intricacies of crop nutrition under rain covers at Lucaston Park Orchards in Tasmania. Specialising in cherry cultivation, Sam offers valuable insights into how protective rain covers influence nutrient management strategies, ensuring optimal fruit quality and yield.
In addition, Sam discusses the importance of understanding root systems and shares observations on root development in the orchard’s mounds. By focusing on this critical aspect of tree health, Sam highlights how growers can optimise growth and productivity under covered orchard systems. Muirs, a fourth-generation Australian family-owned agribusiness, is dedicated to providing innovative solutions and expertise to local growers.
This video is essential viewing for cherry growers and horticulture enthusiasts aiming to enhance their understanding of crop nutrition and root development in covered systems.
Antony Spruce gives an irrigation refresher and discusses how it influences fruit quality.
Cameron talks about the impact of covers on fruit quality at the 2022 Cherry Conference.
Join Dave Farmer, Territory Manager for NSW and TAS at Croplands, as he introduces the Robotics Plus Prospr autonomous sprayer during the lunch event during the Cherry 2024 Orchard Tours in Tasmania. The Prospr is a robust, autonomous, multi-use hybrid vehicle platform designed to significantly increase efficiency across various crop tasks. Its unique modular architecture allows for multiple tools and attachments, including intelligent spraying systems for grapes, apples, and tree crops. In this demonstration, Dave showcases how the Prospr’s advanced technology, such as the Q Series sprayers equipped with Quantum™ fans, delivers fine mist and turbulent air for superior droplet formation and spray deposition. He also highlights the vehicle’s high maneuverability, capable of turning on its rear axle with a minimum headland requirement of 7.1 meters, making it ideal for various orchard and vineyard applications. This video is essential viewing for those interested in cutting-edge agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices.
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