Better fruit, stronger future: The Australian pineapple industry’s bold steps to grow, improve

From elite pineapple clones to smarter spray systems and a prototype that could reshape the future of pineapple planting - this year’s Elimbah CO-OP Pineapple Field Days (24–25 July, Sunshine Coast) will put practical, grower-led innovation on full display.

But this event is about more than tools and tech. It’s about mindset.

“Use mistakes and failures as lessons to improve. It’s not personal.”

These words from respected industry elder and internationally recognised pineapple agronomist, Col Scott continue to resonate deeply with the Australian pineapple industry, and they’re the inspiration behind this year’s Field Days.

The 2025 event brings growers, researchers, and industry supply chain members together to talk openly about the challenges the industry has faced - and more importantly, what they’ve learned. Because when it comes to growing pineapples, real progress often starts with trial, error, and a whole lot of grit.

This year’s theme isn’t just a mindset. It’s a practical approach shaping new growing systems, disease control methods, and technology while helping Australian pineapples stay competitive in a changing market.

A strategic focus for the Australian pineapple industry is improving fruit quality through better genetics, smarter systems, and grower-led innovation.

Attendees will see firsthand how a small group of growers have worked since 2012 to refine and clone elite 73-50 pineapple plants. From an original population of 120 plants, just five were selected for exceptional fruit shape, uniformity, plant health, and improved sucker and slip production. Today, more than 1.5 million of these plants are being grown across Central and Southeast Queensland.

These clones are delivering not just more uniform, higher-quality fruit, but also practical production benefits like better root mass, more flexible harvest windows, and greater control over yield, and ripening.

There’s more happening in the field too. Growers are rethinking old methods, swapping blanket spray applications for a more targeted, sustainable approach that cuts waste and reduces impact on local waterways. At the same time, a new prototype pineapple planter could one day change how planting is done, saving time and labour.

This is not your usual field day. It’s real talk, practical solutions, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to grow a better industry - together.

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