Overview
This study set out to map extension capability (information and advice) used by pear growers in the Goulburn Valley to support their decision making about the future of their pear orchards.
Project Summary
The Goulburn Valley is Australia’s leading pear production region however declining opportunities for canning and local fresh pears along with rising costs and diminishing returns leaves growers facing major decisions whether or not to expand production and plant new varieties given current uncertainty over market returns and orchard viability. Growers also need to factor in the potential for emerging opportunities to supply fresh pear exports to Asian markets that could potentially underpin the future profitability and sustainability of this industry in the Goulburn Valley. This study investigated the social networks growers are using to support their decision making about current and future pear growing.
Project Duration
2015 - 2016
Research Group Leader/Key contact
Dr Barbara King
Other Personnel
Megan Hill and Aimee McCutcheon (Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR)
Contact details
Dr Barbara King
kingbj@unimelb.edu.au
Partnership details
This project was an initiative of the Horticulture Innovation Seed Fund, funded by the Horticulture Centre of Excellence in partnership with the University of Melbourne
Resources/Links
Final Project Report: Mapping the extension capability of the Goulburn Valley fresh pear sector June 2016
Publications
Mapping the extension capability of the Goulburn Valley fresh pear network, King and Hill, Rural Extension and Innovation Systems Journal (in progress)
