Cherry Picked

In this episode, we dive into the Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) for the Queensland fruit fly—one of Australia's most significant horticultural pests. We explore how climate change is projected to affect its distribution, lifecycle, and timing of when it occurs across New South Wales. The episode highlights key findings from the CVA modelling, including seasonal shifts in climate suitability, potential expansion of fruit fly populations, and what this means for growers, exporters, and biosecurity planning. Key Topics Covered: Overview of the Queensland fruit fly and its impact on horticulture How climate change is altering its distribution and lifecycle Modelling results under different emissions scenarios Implications for pest management and industry adaptation Queensland Fruit Fly CVA Webpage Queensland Fruit Fly CVA Results Report (PDF) Queensland Fruit Fly CVA Factsheet (PDF) Contact the CVA Team: vulnerability.assessment@dpi.nsw.gov.au Thanks to the staff who development the Queensland fruit fly model from the DPIRD Biosecurity team: Andrew Eliot, Fiona Lidbetter, and Polychronis Rempoulakis.  The CVA is part of a broader effort to help primary industries in NSW prepare for and adapt to climate change.  These insights are helping shape future-ready strategies for primary industries in a changing climate. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In this episode, we explore how climate change is impacting cherry production in New South Wales, with a focus on the Lapin cherry variety. Drawing on the Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, we discuss projected changes in climate suitability, key vulnerabilities such as chill accumulation and fruit firmness, and the adaptation strategies that could help growers stay resilient. We also unpack the modelling approach used in the CVA, including how different emissions scenarios were applied to assess future risks and opportunities for cherry growers across NSW. Key Topics Covered: Overview of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment  Overview of the Lapin cherry findings Climate risks: chill portions, heat stress, and water needs Climate opportunities: reductions in frost  What the future holds for cherry production in NSW Lapin Cherry CVA Webpage Lapin Cherry CVA Factsheet (PDF) CVA Publications & Reports Contact the CVA Team: vulnerability.assessment@dpird.nsw.gov.au  The CVA is part of a broader effort to help primary industries in NSW prepare for and adapt to climate change. The Lapin cherry model is just one example of how data-driven insights can support decision-making and long-term planning in horticulture in NSW. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with microbiome researcher Gabriele Berg and chat about all things microbes, health, and what can be done to improve these in cherries. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with NEM's Edwina Murray to chat all things microbes, nutrient cycling and biologicals available! Find out more about NEM visit https://nem.com.au/ Disclaimer: NSW DPIRD does not endorse any of the products discussed in the episode, and growers are encouraged to seek the advice of professionals before using them. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Brian Tipton from Cultiva. Brian and I catch up on the potential of Parka in the battle against cherry cracking.Find about more about Brian and Cultiva athttps://www.cultiva.com/products/parka/ We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Yemee Fernandes from Four Pillars Trading. Yemee and I catch up on the potiental for Australian cherries to become a high sought after premium product in India. Find about more about Yemee and Four Pillars Trading here https://www.linkedin.com/company/four-pillars-trading/ We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with NSW DPRID's Dr Shannon Mulholland. Shannon works as a Senior Biosecurity Officer and specialises in plant preparedness. We talk about the impacts of Xylella overseas, how we can keep our orchards safe from Xylella and how to identify it. For more information about Xylella, check out these links DPIRD webpage - XylellaYou Tube videos:Xylella fastidiosa: Can science find a solution?What is Xylella?Where is Xylella?We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Anushika De Silva from Western Sydney University. Anushika works on the Hort Innovation project looking at cherry pollination and how we can improve set and quality in our cherries. To get in touch with Anushika, get in touch with me at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Kevin Dodds from NSW DPIRD. Kevin is a Development Officer and part of the Bushfire Recovery project led by NSW DPIRD. Kev talks about preparing your orchard for bushfire and some things to consider if you have a bushfire through the orchard. Bushfires in Orchards Manual https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1592665/Bushfire-recovery-guide-web.pdf Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Greg Calvert Co-founder of the Australian company FreshChain Systems. Greg speaks about the opportunities using digital traceability in the cherry supply chain and how we can connect more with our consumers. CherryPlus Traceability Report https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1426491/Using-a-standards-based-traceability-system-to-improve-horticulture-supply-chains.pdf FreshChain Systems https://www.freshchain.com.au/ Greg Calvert LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/greg-calvert-57653918 Email - gcalvert@freshchain.com.au Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Luke Davis- Bishop, Manager for Audit Strategy and Planning - Protocol at DAFF. Luke walks us through the auditing process when exporting cherries, and some of the things you should keep front of mind to make the process easier! Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Andrew Smith, a horticulture agronomist, and cherry grower. Andrew walks us through the importance of understanding cherry growth stages and how to maximise cherry nutrition inputs during these phases. To get in touch with Andrew and the Hybrid Ag team please visit https://www.hybridag.com.au/ Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Dr Aaron Simmons, a climate scientist from NSW DPI. Aaron walks us through GHG emissions, the potential for sequestration in cherries and calculating your carbon footprint. To get in touch with Aaron please email aaron.simmons@dpi.nsw.gov.au Emissions Reduction Strategies for the Orange and Cherry Industries in New South Wales https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/18/3328 Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Antonia Sanchez, who works for Bloom Fresh. Bloom Fresh works globally to improve the genetics and production in the world's cherry industry. Want to get in touch with Bloom Fresh? https://bloomfreshglobal.com/home/# Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Dr Greg Lang, leader in global cherry research. Greg talks about intensive cherry tree plantings, how to maintain them and how to get the best out of your trees. Want to get in touch with Greg? Follow his research at these websites https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/dr_gregory_lang https://www.goodfruit.com/shaping-the-future-of-cherry-production/ Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up again with crop science technologist Zen Kynigos from Prodoz. Zen talks about plant stress, how we can combat it and understand our cherry trees more. Want to get in touch with Zen? Contact him at zen@prodoz.com.au or visit these websites ⁠Prodoz.com.au⁠ ⁠Levity.com.au⁠ Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with tart cherry breeder, Amy Iezzoni from Michigan State University. Amy talks about her work in tart cherry breeding, rootstocks and value-adding opportunities. Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with crop science technologist Zen Kynigos from Prodoz. Zen talks about cherry physiology, the best way to deliver nutrients to the plant, and fertiliser money-saving techniques! Want to get in touch with Zen? Contact him at zen@prodoz.com.au or visit these websites Prodoz.com.au Levity.com.au Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In this episode we talk with Steph Tabone, a horticultural researcher in vegetables based in Sydney Australia. We speak to Steph about her career in the vegetable industry, her Nuffield scholarship and what she is excited for being involved the horticulture industry into the future. To find out more about Steph visit her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-tabone-814766ab/?originalSubdomain=au Interested about Nuffield? Have a look at this website https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/ We want to hear your feedback and suggestions, please get in touch with us at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded and edited on. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. This podcast is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project, led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In today's episode we are joined by another one of our friends from the USA, Kait Thornton. Kait is a horticulture influencer who has brought the story of her family's orchard to thousands of people and is trying to bridge the gap between grower and consumer. She brings all the tips about building your social media presence. You can find Kait at LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynthornton/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynjillthornton/?hl=en Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.