Inspiration can come hard for regional young people who are surrounded by agriculture but don’t know if they should start a journey.
However, recently lived advice is at hand from a young woman who developed her own drive and wants to pass on her individual gem of advice.
Jess Byrne crossed the ditch about six years ago, having grown up in the fruit bowl of New Zealand — albeit not on a farm.
She currently works as the industry development manager for Summer Fruits Australia in a new position designed to connect research and development with industry to improve production outcomes.
Only a month into the role, Jess believes a key challenge is making good industry connections, something she says differs from NZ.
“Australia’s real challenge to connect R&D to the industry is that the country is so large,” Jess said.
“New Zealand is quite small geographically so there is a lot more sharing of knowledge and skills and there’s a community.
“I need to connect growers across a wide range of growing conditions as well, even in Victoria.”
Summer Fruits Australia is a federally managed body with a governing board appointed by growers.
A levy paid by growers funds both the organisation and R&D.
Jess’s path to the role took her from the University of Victoria in Wellington to an apple packing shed for two years before working in a plant and food research facility.
“I focused on apple and pear production with a little bit of Kiwi fruit and cherries,” she said.
“I believe over 50 per cent of stone fruit in Australia is grown in the Goulburn Valley and 80 per cent across wider Victoria.
“(The Goulburn Valley) is one of our most focused areas, so this is where I will be spending a lot of time.”
Jess will be part of a team organising 20 events over the next decade to create engagement with growers and advocate for bigger markets.
“We will also upskill not only the people running the orchards but people working in it day-to-day.”
Jess said the most satisfying aspect of R&D was the ability to make a difference in ‘real terms’.
“What was most rewarding was when a grower took something on board and saw outcomes for the better,” she said.
“So, my inspiration is to create that for the Australian summer fruit growers to improve their outcomes.
“Or else what’s the point?”
Jess has advice for students who may not yet aspire.
“Everyone sees horticulture as just picking and packing fruit but beyond the science there are lawyers and accountants and researchers, so being a part of this industry and making a difference doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out in an orchard — that’s a very important part of it of course.
“But don’t let your opportunities be limited by how you perceive the industry.”