Custard Apple Industry Development (CU24001)
What was it all about?
The project aims to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the Australian custard apple industry through delivery of targeted industry development services. Through the leadership of an Industry Development Officer (IDO), the project will facilitate the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) across farms and the supply chain.
By addressing key challenges and knowledge gaps, the project will strengthen knowledge-sharing frameworks, equipping growers with the necessary information to make informed decisions and adopt improved practices
Challenge
The custard apple industry in Australia has experienced steady market demand growth of 0.6% over the past decade, highlighting the need to maintain and strengthen consumer demand.
However, several challenges persist, including:
- Pest and disease control
- Inadequate postharvest handling, storage, and processing practices (impacting fruit quality).
- A lack of baseline data on current grower practices and management.
- Limited capacity for reviewing, collating, and consulting with stakeholders to build capability for progressing best management practices.
Response
This project will be informed by a needs analysis and baseline data survey to establish current grower practices, identify priorities, and inform targeted industry development strategies. Key activities include:
- Analysing domestic and international research that addresses custard apple industry priorities and leveraging insights from other horticultural sectors.
- Engaging with custard apple industry stakeholders to gather and share new information on R&D priorities and best practices.
- Establishing a consistent and effective extension and communication strategy, including:
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- Articles in industry publications
- Grower fact sheets
- Field days, workshops, and on-farm demonstrations
- Educational videos
- One-on-one grower interactions.
- Investigating collaborative opportunities to enhance the ability of the custard apple industry to address their priorities – including extensions events with industry experts presenting the latest research findings and best management practices.
Benefit
The project will improve growers’ knowledge and skills in best management practices in priority areas, enhancing farming and postharvest practices across the industry. Additional benefits include:
- Identification of future research priorities to drive long-term industry success.
- Stronger industry connections, fostering a culture of innovation and capability-building – contributing to Outcome 3 of the Custard Apple Strategic Investment Plan 2022-2026, and leading to maximisation of investments in productivity and demand.
- Ultimately, a more sustainable and profitable future for the Australian custard apple industry.
This project is a strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Custard Apple Fund