PIDO

The PIDO position is support by the Department of Primary Industries Horticulture Industry
Network. Chris Peter's is the Victorian Apple & Pear Industry Development Office.

His expertise is available to all apple and pear orchardists in Victoria.

Chris can be contacted on mobile 0418 547 514 or email pido@fgv.com.au

Below is an introduction from Chris.

"My name is Chris Peters. I grew up and worked on my families' fruit orchard near Wapato in the Yakima Valley
of Washington State. We have always maintained an active interest in research on our crops. Since then I have
spent time in large vertically integrated fruit production and marketing companies both in Washington State and
Australia.

One of my primary jobs will be to get Victorian apple growers to plant Malling 9 rootstock at densities over 3000
trees per hectare and successfully grow their canopies to completion. This change will create other orchard
management needs.

This project runs from now until June 2012. The DPI is restructuring how they offer services to growers. They
have formed the Horticultural Industry Network. This is a group of Development Officers from many different
primary industries. The goal is to provide more responsive service and increase industry capacity and self
reliance.

My assistance is available to any fruit grower in the state of Victoria. I look forward to helping you make your
orchards more competitive."