In Batlow, the apple harvest is underway, marking a period of activity for the region's high-altitude orchards. Among the varieties being harvested are Gala and Kanzi apples, with the introduction of a new organic variety, Swing, showing promising results in early trials. The apple industry in Australia is expected to grow, with consumption projected to reach 291,000 metric tonnes by 2026.
The Cathels family, who have been cultivating apples at Ardrossan Orchards since 1967, have expanded their operations across five properties in the Batlow and Tumut region, covering approximately 100 hectares. Ardrossan Orchards, employing up to 50 local staff year-round, has embraced both conventional and organic apple production, with 10% of its output now certified organic. This produce is directly supplied to retailers and through the company's Organics Direct Produce (ODP) wholesale floor in Sydney.
With a focus on sustainable agriculture, Ian Cathels, a second-generation farmer at Ardrossan Orchards, has applied organic production techniques to conventional orchard blocks, emphasizing the health of the tree for optimal crop protection. The orchard is also developing new varieties suited to organic production, including the Swing apple, which is anticipated for commercial planting this winter. The Swing apple, characterized by its robust and hardy genetic qualities, is ideal for low input or organic production methods.
Source: aboutregional.com.au