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Understanding the environmental footprint of Australian cherry production

Sustainability expectations across the food sector are increasing, with growing pressure from consumers, regulators and supply chains to demonstrate environmental responsibility. To support the industry in responding to these expectations, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment study of Australian cherry production is underway.

This project will deliver robust, science-based data to help the cherry industry better understand its environmental footprint and identify opportunities for improvement over time.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO PARTICIPATE

If you are interested in participating in the study, register your interest here via the button below.

 

What is This Project About?

A Life Cycle Assessment is an internationally recognised method used to measure the environmental impacts associated with producing a product. For this project, it will assess the environmental footprint of cherry production, focusing on on-farm practices and inputs.

The study will examine a range of indicators, including:

  • Greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint)

  • Water use and water scarcity impacts

  • Land use

  • Freshwater eutrophication (nutrient impacts on waterways)

Importantly, the study takes a whole-of-system view, ensuring that solutions do not simply shift environmental impacts from one area to another.

Why is This Important for Growers?

Having credible, industry-wide environmental data is becoming increasingly important for market access, export readiness and future regulatory requirements.

This project will:

  • Provide the cherry industry with a clear picture of the nature and scale of environmental impacts from production

  • Support informed decision-making at both farm and industry level

  • Help establish industry benchmarks to guide best practice and future investment

Grower participation is critical to ensuring the data reflects real production systems and delivers meaningful outcomes for the sector.

What is Involved?

Participating growers will be asked to provide data from a typical year of cherry production.

Time commitment: approximately 3–4 hours

Data requested may include:

  • Yield rates

  • Water use

  • Energy use

  • Fertilisers and soil amendments

  • Fungicides, herbicides and insecticides

All data provided will be kept strictly confidential and used only for the purposes of this study.

What do Participating Growers Receive?

In return for their participation, growers will receive a confidential Life Cycle Assessment report for their farm, which will include:

  • Greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of cherries produced

  • Identification of key production hotspots

  • Practical insights to support future sustainability efforts

Individual farm data will not be published or shared.

Project Delivery and Funding

This project, Understanding the environmental impacts of cherry production for long-term sustainability (CY24005), is funded by Hort Innovation, using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

The study is being delivered by Lifecycles, Australia’s most experienced provider of life cycle assessment and sustainability consulting, with particular expertise in agricultural and food production systems.

Project timeframe: 2025–2027

How to get involved

If you are interested in contributing data to the study or would like more information, please register your interest using the link below. (Your information and any farm data provided will be treated confidentially.)

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Tony Hannaford

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.

Nic Hansen

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.

Grant Piggott

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.

ANDREW FAIRLEY

Director

Andrew Fairley bio coming soon

Fiona Hall

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.

Greg Perry

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.

Alison Jones (Sebire)

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