SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
INTRODUCTION
Estimates from the Apples and Pears Survey confirm that the 2008 harvest was slightly lower than 2007. Adverse weather conditions resulted in a decrease in both the apple and pear harvest.
APPLES
Estimates for 2007-08 show the number of apple trees increased by 3% from the previous year to 10.2 million. The total number of trees reported in New South Wales increased by 9% to 1.9 million while in Victoria, the main growing state, they fell by 5% to 3.6 million.
The production of apples in 2007-08 decreased by 2% from the previous year to 265,500 tonnes. Victoria, the main producing state, reported a decrease in apple production of 10% to 104,000 tonnes, New South Wales reported an increase of 20% to 44,900 tonnes and Tasmania reported an increase of 6% to 30,200 tonnes.
The three most common varieties of apples produced in Australia in 2007-08 were:
Cripps Pink (Pink Lady) (60,500 tonnes)
Granny Smith (58,600 tonnes)
Gala (39,500 tonnes)
PEARS
Final estimates for 2007-08 show the number of pear trees decreased by 4% from the previous year to below 2 million. In Victoria, which was the main growing state, tree numbers declined to 1.6 million.
The production of pears decreased by 3% from the previous year to 130,500 tonnes in 2007-08. Decreases in production were reported in South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. All other producing states reported increases in pear production.
The two most common varieties of pears produced in Australia in 2007-08 were:
WBC (including Williams/Duchess/Bartlett) (58,800 tonnes)
Packham (51,800 tonnes)
APPLES AND PEARS SENT FOR PROCESSING
The quantity of apples sent for processing in 2007-08 decreased by 19% to 34,400 tonnes. All states reported decreases in apples sent for processing. Victoria and New South Wales recorded the largest quantity of apples sent for processing, with 16,400 tonnes and 5,600 tonnes respectively.
The quantity of pears sent for processing in 2007-08 decreased by 14% to 41,500 tonnes. Victoria recorded the largest quantity of pears sent for processing with 40,400 tonnes.
COOL STORAGE CAPACITY
The cool storage capacity of apple and pear growers in 2007-08 decreased by 4% from the previous year to 303,600 tonnes. Victoria recorded the largest capacity with 147,000 tonnes followed by New South Wales with 54,300 tonnes and Tasmania with 33,000 tonnes.
Quality Declaration 
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