Growing tropical fruit in one of WA's coldest regions? This Albany producer proves it's possible

Banana and sugar cane crops may be more at home in tropical Queensland, but test crops of these heat-loving plants thrive in any of the colder regions of Western Australia.
Key Points: A trial of growing tropical fruits in the cooler climes of southern Western Australia is underway Bananas and sugarcane grow successfully in AlbanyGrowers not ruling out possibility of trial the region as a banana-growing region
WA's south coast is known for its cooler climate and is the only place in the state to regularly record snowfall.

But despite this, one farmer turned the tide and succeeded in growing tropical crops.
Oranje Tractor Wine in Albany grows a variety of fruits and of vegetables, with bananas and sugar cane on the list.
Co-owner Murray Gomm isn't afraid to try something a little different.
He said he bought the first plants from another experimental grower in the area and that as a farmer, Albany was has a fantastic place to diversify the lineup.
"The thing is, Albany...it's a very nice climate to live in," Mr. Gum.
"If it doesn't drop below zero, [the tropical fruits] are happy. They will take some cool weather.
"As a grower I guess you are looking for a niche, something you can grow here that can maybe supply the market sooner or later.
"I guess we were really drawn to this abundance, this diversity."
Full-scale testing next
Good As the scale of his bananas and sugar cane is relatively small, Mr. Gomm is optimistic about the potential for larger-scale banana cultivation in the region.
Oranje Tractor Wines does not add chemical fertilizers to their soil, so bananas and sugar cane grow naturally. (ABC Great Southern: Sophie Johnson)
"The taste is amazing, so I think once people taste them, they'll 'I'm gonna wow, 'I want this. I'll buy them," he said.
"I think we're used to seeing these really big bananas, probably from Queensland and northern WA with a nice, nice curve on them. They're really small.
"Are people going to buy little bananas? I am not sure. Will we have an appropriate return? I'm not sure.
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Agrotech Aug 17, 2022 0 72 Add to Reading List

Growing tropical fruit in one of WA's coldest regions? This Albany producer proves it's possible

Banana and sugar cane crops may be more at home in tropical Queensland, but test crops of these heat-loving plants thrive in any of the colder regions of Western Australia.

Key Points: A trial of growing tropical fruits in the cooler climes of southern Western Australia is underway Bananas and sugarcane grow successfully in AlbanyGrowers not ruling out possibility of trial the region as a banana-growing region

WA's south coast is known for its cooler climate and is the only place in the state to regularly record snowfall.

But despite this, one farmer turned the tide and succeeded in growing tropical crops.

Oranje Tractor Wine in Albany grows a variety of fruits and of vegetables, with bananas and sugar cane on the list.

Co-owner Murray Gomm isn't afraid to try something a little different.

He said he bought the first plants from another experimental grower in the area and that as a farmer, Albany was has a fantastic place to diversify the lineup.