The third-generation Ardmona grower and packer says without modern varieties in this fruit category, pears will be left behind when compared to other fruit types available.
During the past two years, Mr Varapodio has planted 15ha of a pear variety not grown in Australia, but extensively grown in New Zealand, known as the Honey Belle pear.
With its established market in Asia and unique characteristics, bringing it to the Goulburn Valley was a ‘‘no brainer’’.
‘‘There are a couple of new ones on the horizon, which is great as the old traditional varieties need to be left in the fruit bowl to ripen for a few days before they’re at the optimum to eat,’’ Mr Varapodio said.
‘‘This one has a bit more of a texture like an apple and is sweet and juicy so you can pick it up and eat it straightaway; it’s a snacking pear.
‘‘There are still people who love eating traditional pears, but this gives the consumers that may not usually snack on a pear another option, and it’s about trying to grow the whole pear category.’’
The ability to be innovative on the orchard is what gets Mr Varapodio ‘‘out of bed in the morning’’ and he said upgrades to the delivery network made by the Connections project gave irrigators the confidence to think outside the square.
‘‘With what they are doing to the system, it gives us more confidence,’’ he said.
‘‘Water is the single biggest important thing, because without it we can’t do anything and it’s encouraging to see our system being upgraded.’’
Mr Varapodio said the project was helping keep the region’s irrigation system healthier and sustainable for future generations, while delivering the proposed water savings.
‘‘Through drier years, water can be costly so water must be available and affordable for irrigators,’’ he said.
Mr Varapodio said efficient water use on farm was an integral part of setting up a new orchard block and the Honey Belle planting, due for first harvest in 2020, was watered with a fully-automated, mini-jet sprinkler system.
He said through the on-farm efficiency program 10 soil moisture probes were placed around the property with radio control towers back to the orchard office allowing him to make better irrigation decisions and use less water.
Mr Varapodio is keen to see the next generation join the horticultural industry and, with access to a state-of-the-art water delivery system built through the Connections project and population growth, he knows opportunities exist for those willing to do the work.
‘‘In the past the industry hasn’t been attractive to young people but I think in the future that might change,’’ he said.
‘‘We are seeing more young people that are looking for careers in hort and ag.’’
Part of the 200ha apple, pear and stonefruit orchard is bordered by Central Goulburn number four channel which was remediated and upgraded during the 2018 winter works.
At this site 2km of channel was lined with a geosynthetic clay liner, generating water savings of about 505Ml annually.
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