Apple industry faces severe job losses

Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) is seeking government support for a transition package that would avert significant job losses in the apple industry.
With recent changes to government policy allowing international apple imports for the first time in 90 years, Australian apple orchardists face a challenging environment.
Speaking this week at Parliament House in Canberra, APAL chairman John Lawrenson said, “the industry requires support to help growers transition to world’s best‐practice otherwise 70 per cent of Australian apple growers are vulnerable and many will exit the industry.
“Without the modest support we are seeking, an estimated 1500 to 2500 jobs will be lost, which would have a devastating impact on many rural communities. This estimate does not include the additional flow‐on effects of job losses in seasonal picking, pruning and packing sheds,” Mr Lawrenson said.
“The government can assist the apple industry to transition growers to best‐practice orchard management techniques and have more growers achieve sustainability and global competiveness.”
The industry’s Aussie Apple Accord identifies measures that will promote innovation and productivity gains in the Australian apple industry.
“As we have outlined in the Accord, with a co‐investment of $21.9 million over four years, the government can be a collaborative partner and help more Australian apple growers meet the current challenges.
Combined with industry investments of $102.8 million, the Accord will therefore total a $124.7 million investment partnership,” Mr Lawrenson said.
“The Accord’s targeted assistance will invest in transferring research and development results to the orchard and help growers adapt to compete against cheaper imported apples produced in low labour cost countries.
“The apple industry is under no illusion that this assistance is a ‘magic bullet’ solution. These changes will require hard work by growers but will allow many more Australian growers to join the world’s best producers and maintain their profitability,” he said.
The Accord will also provide an incentive to growers to make the capital investments necessary to compete instead of forcing them to exit the industry.
“The government can help ensure the future of the apple industry, which is of vital importance to regional Australia, by partnering with APAL to support the Aussie Apple Accord and ensure Australian apple growers become the world’s best.”