The picturesque backdrop of a Carnarvon sunrise or sunset belies the extreme environmental conditions under which research scientist Dr Melanie Ford and her team from the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have operated their jackfruit variety research trial site.

Diversification of crop production in Northern Australia is crucial in developing an economically sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

Diversification of crop production across northern Australia is crucial in developing an economically sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. Whilst there are numerous tropical tree crops which can be cultivated in the region, plantings are limited due to the susceptibility of orchards to cyclones.

The rain didn’t stop over 30 farmers, industry supply chain members and researchers from attending a recent field day held in north Queensland to learn more about the Demonstrating Next-Generation Resilient Orchard Production Systems for Tropical Crops project.

A range of informative videos are now available to assist growers to understand the benefits of high-density plantings and the opportunities available to de-risk the horticultural industry in cyclone prone areas of northern Australia.