History of the Karragullen Expo
The decision to hold the first Karragullen Horticultural and
machinery field day was decided after a visit to South Africa by 17
growers.
In South Africa the group looked to new high density tree
planting, irrigation systems and new fruit varieties and assessed
if they could be grown under Western Australian conditions.
As a tour group they were most impressed with the hospitality shown
to them by the South African growers and the Pomological
Association. The Pomological Association was basically a
group of growers who banded together for the development of the
horticultural industry in South Africa. The group wondered if
something of a similar nature could be formed in WA.
H.O.I.G. was formed in 1982 comprising 8 fruit growers and 2
officers from the department of Agriculture.
The main objective of the group is to promote modern fruit
growing methods in the Perth Hills district. This has been
achieved in many ways over the last 27 years. H.O.I.G will be
holding it's 27th Karragullen expo on October 15, 2011, presenting
a wide range of horticultural machinery and products in one
venue. The response to these Expo's has been positive from
both growers and exhibitors. The wide range of horticultural
products at one venue is seen to be of great benefit to
horticulturists from vignerons, flower growers and fruit
growers.
H.O.I.G has also been active in travel both local and overseas
to assist in broadening our horizons by meeting growers from
different growing areas to share information. Also tours of
Kunnunurra and Cairns have been undertaken to look at tropical
horticulture, to learn if we can adapt something from their growing
methods.
A group of 19 growers made a tour of the west coast of USA has
been our major undertaking.
The present
H.O.I.G has 92 members, consisting of a committee of 12 with a
president, secretary, treasurer and vice president. Members
are elected for a three year term and at the annual general meeting
three current members stand down providing the opportunity for new
members to serve on the committee.
Dinner meetings are held on a regular basis with guest speakers
from both the department of agriculture and industry has also been
an important activity. Areas included in this field include
irrigation, pest and disease control, nurserymen informing on new
plant breeds and plant patents.
These are well attended and provide an invaluable source of
information for growers.
History
of the Karragullen Fruit Growing Industry.
Photos courtesy of Tracey Rainoldi, Roleystone Orchard.