South Australia has a long tradition of fruit growing, with McLaren Vale recognised not only for its wines, but historically for its orchards of apples, pears, cherries, and stone fruit. In the early 1900s, mixed farms and small-scale fruit blocks dotted the region, supplying local markets and supplementing income from grape growing. Over time, the pressure from urban expansion, shifting commodity prices, and water limitations pushed many orchardists to pivot or consolidate. By the early 2000s, vineyards had become dominant—but the story of fruit growing in the region was far from over.
In the past decade, a quiet resurgence in high-value orchard crops has taken root across the Vale and surrounding areas. With rising demand for premium cherries, niche apples, and pome fruits for local and export markets, growers have begun to reinvest in orchard infrastructure. This modern wave of orchard management, however, faces vastly different challenges to those of past generations.
One of the most pressing is climate volatility. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2024) shows an upward trend in summer maximum temperatures, with McLaren Vale now experiencing over 30 days above 30°C each year on average. Heat stress, sunburn, and storm damage are not just seasonal threats; they are ongoing operational risks. Similarly, bird pressure has intensified, with native and introduced species adapting rapidly to food availability, particularly in rural-urban fringe agricultural zones.
To manage these challenges, growers have looked to permanent netting structures—not as a seasonal fix, but as critical infrastructure. Reflections shared by APAL (2019) highlight that orchards under netting in the Adelaide Hills recorded a 40% lift in marketable yield and up to a 75% reduction in sunburn-related downgrades. These figures are echoed by several McLaren Vale growers trialling netting across cherry and pome fruit blocks. In addition to quality improvements, netting has enabled improved labour efficiency, extended harvest windows, and better working conditions.
Unlike temporary netting, which can be labour-intensive and vulnerable to weather events, structural netting systems are engineered to withstand South Australia’s variable conditions. This includes integrated tensioning systems, anchor foundations, and designs that factor in airflow and pollination access.
While no longer supported by state grant programs as of 2024, the shift toward permanent netting continues to gain momentum. For many orchardists, it’s about futureproofing—ensuring that fruit growing remains viable in a region known for both its heritage and its adaptability.
As the landscape of McLaren Vale continues to evolve, structural netting represents more than just crop protection. It’s a commitment to resilience, quality, and the continued story of fruit growing in one of South Australia’s most dynamic agricultural regions.
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