Cherry Growers of Australia represent the biosecurity interests of cherry growers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
In 2015–16, production of cherries was valued at $158 million (LVP). The cherry industry comprises 485 cherry enterprises farming 2,845 hectares and producing more than 18,500 tonnes of fruit.
Australia produces some of the world’s finest cherries. Growing international demand is driving expansion, with new investment within the Australian cherry industry from both local and overseas stakeholders.
Currently, 70 per cent of produce is for domestic consumption, with $76 million of Australian cherries exported in 2015–16 to more than 30 overseas markets.
Across Australia, cherry growing regions span a variety of climatic zones, with over 30 cherry varieties under production. Cherry growing enterprises vary from smaller boutique orchards in WA and Queensland to larger suppliers in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania who export across the globe.
National expansion is underpinned by ongoing research and strong biosecurity principles, established through the cherry industry’s Biosecurity Management Programme, and supported by PHA’s cherry biosecurity plan version 2.01 and Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Cherry Industry Version 1.0.
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of cherry production, 2007–16
Distribution of cherry production by state and territory, 2015–16 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Cherry Industry
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the cherry industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Cherry Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email admin@phau.com.au.
Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Cherry Industry
The Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Cherry Industry contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm. Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks. Manuals also contain a biosecurity self-assessment list, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors.
More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
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Promotional item to support the exotic plant pest hotline 1800 084 881
