Summerfruit Australia Emerging Leaders is a 1-year program designed to give future industry leaders the opportunity to gain business knowledge and improve networks for the betterment of the whole industry. The four key pillars will be:

• Innovation
• Leadership
• Governance
• Business & Finance

Commitment

All participants will need to commit to attending the following in-person events:

•  23^rd-25^th March 2026: Workshop in Echuca, VIC
• 17^th – 19^th June 2026: Field Trip, Conference & Workshop in Melbourne, VIC
• September 2026: 3 Day field trip and workshop, QLD (Dates & Location TBD)
• March 2027: 3 Day Workshop in Regional VIC (Dates & Location TBD)

Participants will also be expected to participate in bi-monthly check-ins with SAL staff online, as well as attend any regional SAL events as they occur in their growing region.

Participants or their companies will be expected to cover travel costs to workshops and field days, with a stipend supplied for out-of-state travel. The program will cover accommodation, basic meals and other specific requirements, which will be communicated.

A small financial commitment of $500 is required on acceptance of application

If a participant pulls out of the program or fails to attend an event without good reason, SAL reserves the right to reclaim any costs back from the participant.

Application process

Applications will be open for one month. Applicants must fit the following criteria:

• Have a permanent position in a company that grows, packs or exports summerfruit in Australia
• Have worked in full time in horticulture at least 2 years, no more that 15 years
• Be working in a role that has some leadership or management aspects
• Have ambition for summerfruit to be key category within horticulture

To Apply you must submit:

•  A cover letter, outlining why you are passionate about summerfruit, what you hope to gain from the leadership program, and what you aspire to achieve in horticulture, relating back to the four key pillars of the program.
• Your professional CV
• A letter of support from a levy paying grower
• A letter of support/reference from someone else in your community or company
• Complete a letter of commitment, signed by you and your business owner to acknowledge the time and financial commitment.

There are up to ten spots available for the 2026/27 Cohort. In cases where there is more than one applicant per company, the most appropriate candidate will be given priority, with other applicants only considered if there are enough spots for all candidates. Interviews with a selection Panel in will take place in January/February 2026.

Send your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the title: Emerging Leaders Application. Applications are live now and close Friday 16^th January 2026 at 6pm AEDT. Final candidates will be selected by the selection panel based on fitting of criteria, quality of application and interview. Applicants will know the outcome no later than 1^st March 2026.

For any additional queries contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Click HERE to register 

Summerfruit Australia Ltd is pleased to announce the results of its recent board appointments, following the Annual General Meeting held in June in Echuca.
 
Three existing directors—Dean Morpeth, Frank Frappa, and Scott Dunk—have been re-elected for a second term, continuing their contributions to the leadership of the organisation. Joining the board for the first time is Rowan Little, who brings fresh perspective and industry experience.
 
The organisation also extends its sincere thanks to Scott Coupland, who has stepped down from the board after two years of dedicated service.
Dean Morpeth will continue in his role as Chairperson.  Frank Frappa and Tim Grieger will remain in their roles as Deputy Chair and Treasurer, respectively.

The 2025 stone fruit season across key global regions is marked by contrasting trends in production, pricing, and market dynamics. Weather impacts, shifting acreage, and strong demand continue to shape outcomes for producers and exporters alike.

Italy reports stable overall production but reduced yields and rising prices, especially in northern regions. Orchard removals and weather-related challenges are driving strong demand and higher prices for available volumes. Spain is experiencing firm market conditions, with high temperatures boosting consumption and prices up to 60% higher for some categories. Despite hail-related losses, production in Catalonia remains above the five-year average. Read full Fresh Plaza article 

Minimum Wage Increase

The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.5% increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages.
The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2025. Visit Fair Work for more information

Superannuation Increase
The super guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% on 1 July 2025. The 12% rate will need to be applied for all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on and after 1 July. This is even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July. This is the final scheduled increase.. - ATO

The Board of Summerfruit Australia are pleased to announce that they have welcomed on board Carrie Starkings as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.

With over 20 years’ experience in the Fresh Produce Industry, Carrie brings with her a wealth of knowledge that will elevate the industry; “I am honoured to join the Summerfruit Australia team as CEO.  I am excited for the direction Summerfruit Australia is heading.”  When asked about the future of Summerfruit Australia, she says she is “looking forward to bringing the boards vision to life and working with our wonderful growers across the country.” Read the full Summerfruit Australia Media release HERE