Australia and New Zealand will join in a $12 million, five-year research program to make the apple and pear industry more efficient.

The project aims to raise profitability while reducing water and chemical usage.

Industry funding for the project is being shared by Apple and Pear Australia Limited and Horticulture Australia Limited, with matching funding coming from the Australian Federal Government.

The Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research will manage the project, with help from researchers from Victoria's Department of Primary Industries, Queensland's Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, and the NZ Institute for Plant and Food Research.

Victorian Agriculture Minister Joe Helper has welcomed the project. “The projects within the program are designed to assist the apple and pear industries to become more productive and competitive," he said.

“One of the really exciting things about this program is the cooperation and collaboration developing between countries and between states within Australia.

“The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited (PFR) for example brings skills, resources and current research development to the program that are not currently available in Australia.”

Source: Victorian Government