Mark Wilkinson began orcharding in the Perth Hills in 1979 at the aged of 19 years and is known for his innovative approach to trialling new production methods in the pursuit of excellence. Graduating with a Degree in Agricultural Science from The University of WA in 1983, he developed family orchards using Tatura Trellis for peach, cherry and plum production. Mr Wilkinson continues to evaluate new techniques of tree training, irrigation, soil management and fruit fly control. He focuses on growing and picking fruit at peak maturity to maximising the consumer’s eating experience and has researched and applied the use of non-destructive NIR fruit maturity testing technology. Mr Wilkinson has been an active participant and office holder in various fruit industry bodies since the early 1980’s. As a Fruit West Cooperative Director since 2012, he has been focused on finding positive pathways for growers and the wider industry to be profitable and sustainable and continues to explore cutting edge science and technology in the production and marketing of fruit to meet growers’ needs and consumer expectations.
