Australian mango growers are set to benefit from a $2.7M injection into extension and communication to help improve grower productivity and profitability.

Being delivered through Hort Innovation by Australia’s peak industry body for mangoes, Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA)/Australian Mangoes, the two five-year projects build upon previous communication and capacity building work.

AMIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brett Kelly, said each project would provide invaluable benefits to the mango industry. 

“Through working together on these initiatives, the AMIA, our research partners and Hort Innovation will continue to get great results for industry that tie into the Mango Strategic Investment Plan (2022-2026),” he said.

The projects will integrate extension and communication to foster innovation and build capability to maximise yield, optimise quality and create demand.

The extension project will work with growers to raise awareness of and support adoption of practices that will contribute to increasing productivity and profitability.

The communication project will produce an industry magazine, newsletters, social media, and website content to keep industry up to date with the latest research, marketing, and other industry news. 

Hort Innovation Head of Extension, Jane Wightman, said during the recent Strategic Investment Plan (2022-2026) renewal consultations, the Australian mango industry advised it valued its extension program and prioritised its continuation. 

“The Australian Mango Industry has high aspirations for improved domestic and international demand and increased profitability, efficiency, and sustainability,” she said. 

“These aspirations are founded on the generation and use of research and development, the benefits of which are maximised through an innovative culture, fostering continuous improvement and proactive risk management.”

One of the first activities of both projects is to form a project reference group (PRG). This group will be instrumental in guiding the project teams and activities over the next five years. Australian mango industry stakeholders interested in joining the PRG should look out for an Expression of Interest, in AMIA’s industry communication. If industry stakeholders don’t already subscribe, they can do so at https://www.mangoconnect.com.au/.