- Cold storage upgrade at Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute to help industry deliver longer-lasting, high-quality produce
- Manjimup field day to showcase research on orchard design and technologies improving business efficiencies, safety and climate resilience
- Cook Labor Government investments helping build a strong WA horticulture industry for the future, create jobs and diversify regional economies
The Cook Labor Government is investing in the future of Western Australia's horticulture industry with high-tech cold storage equipment for research that delivers high quality, nutritious and fresh local produce.
The $300,000 upgrade at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute includes the latest cold storage technology in the main storage room and five smaller rooms.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) scientists and collaborators can now explore new frontiers in controlled and dynamic controlled atmosphere technology to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
Controlled atmosphere technology has become an essential tool for fruit industries to manage product quality, supply, target market opportunities and reduce operating costs and emissions.
The technology changes relative air gas levels to slow the ripening process while preserving the quality and nutrient levels of fresh produce.
The equipment will be used by the National Apple Breeding Program at Manjimup to help develop new varieties and extend controlled atmosphere research to other crops, such as avocados and kiwi fruit.
Growers can tour the cold room storage facilities at the upcoming Narrow Orchard Systems (NOS) field day on 20 May.
The field day will also showcase DPIRD and national research on orchard design and new technologies to improve fruit yield, labour efficiencies and climate resilience.
The Manjimup cold storage upgrade builds on the Cook Labor Government's investments in the NOS project, including an autonomous sprayer, plant and soil sensors, field sorting equipment and a data analysis platform to aid growers' decision making.
For more information on the narrow orchard systems project visit www.dpird.wa.gov.au/research/research-areas/horticulture-research/narrow-orchard-systems
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The cold storage upgrade at the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute is a game changer for research that will give growers the tools to target high value markets and deliver great quality fruit for consumers to enjoy.
"The technology adds to the whole narrow orchard systems package, boosting post-harvest handling efficiencies while significantly lowering input costs and emissions footprints.
"The Cook Labor Government continues to invest in new technologies and research to help future proof WA's horticulture businesses and adapt to changing global operating environments."
