Western Australian jujube growers have an opportunity to improve their cultivation and marketing skills this month with the visit of an expert from China.
Professor Mengjun Liu from the Research Centre of Chinese Jujube at the Agricultural University of Hebei will visit WA from 17 to 24 March, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Department development officer Rachelle Johnstone said the jujube or Chinese red date was one of the most popular and widely grown fruits in China.
“Jujube is an emerging crop in Western Australia with increasing plantings,” Ms Johnstone said.
“The long-term potential looks bright, particularly as growers gain more experience and consumers beyond the Asian community develop a taste for the fruit.”
The Western Australian crop is now in season and should be available in specialist shops until the end of April.
The department is working with industry on a project funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation to increase knowledge and capacity. The department is aware of about 30 jujube growers currently, mostly in the South West.
Professor Liu is a world expert on jujubes and has convened two international symposiums on production.
His visit will provide training for WA growers and explore opportunities for collaboration between the department and the Research Centre of Chinese Jujube.
The workshop for existing and potential jujube growers will be held at 9am on Monday 18 March at the department’s head office at 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, followed by an optional visit to a Gidgegannup property.
Growers interested in attending should contact Rachelle Johnstone on 9780 6158 or email rachelle.johnstone@agric.wa.gov.au by 13 March.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 8 9368 3937