BREADFRUIT - THE AUSTRALIAN SCENE

Breadfruit is a minor industry, supplying the Australian fresh fruit market with an estimated annual production of 20 t, worth approximately A$60,000 farm gate. The main production areas are coastal north Queensland, between latitudes 15-18°S and Darwin 12°S. Peak production is in February-March. The prospects for market growth are good, particularly if the period of availability is extended by new cultivars, geographic diversification and/or by accessing imported product. The refinement of harvest and handling systems to prolong shelf life and fruit quality will be of major importance and so too will be market development and promotion activities. Development of the breadfruit industry in Australia will have benefits to the region by way of innovations in growing, harvesting and handling. Breadfruit has been identified as one of the key crops of interest for stakeholders in Samoa and Cape York Peninsula, Australia through the project, PHT 2001/023 “Horticulture industry development for market remote communities” funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).