Independent program coordination for the apple and pear Productivity, Irrigation, Pests and Soils program (PIPS3) (AP19007)

What was it all about?

From 2020 to 2023, this investment supported the coordination and integration of a number of projects, which together made up the ‘PIPS3’ program for the apple and pear industry (the third iteration of the Productivity, Irrigation, Pests and Soils program).

The PIPS3 research projects included:

• Strengthening cultural and biological management of pests and diseases in apple and pear orchards (AP19002)
• Advancing sustainable and technology driven apple orchard production systems (AP19003)
• Developing smarter and sustainable pear orchards to maximise fruit quality, yield and labour efficiency (AP19005)
• Improved Australian apple and pear orchard soil health and plant nutrition (AP19006)

This project benefited apple and pear growers by providing them with a well-integrated and efficient research and development (R&D) program. The project spanned multiple regions including the Goulburn Valley (Victoria), the Huon Valley (Tasmania), Orange (NSW), Lenswood (South Australia), and Manjimup (Western Australia).

Communication efforts were a significant focus of the program. The team executed a plan that enhanced communication impact compared to the previous PIPS Program. Notable achievements included:

• A program website hosting 93 resources, receiving 11,200 views.
• 34 articles published with a total reach of 33,200.
• 37 videos on the APAL YouTube channel, resulting in 13,700 views.
• 78 Industry Juice publications with 4,000 clicks.
• 115 social media posts reaching 26,000 people and generating 5,000 engagements.