Grower name
Michael and Sharon Smart
Orchard name
Tingira
Brief family/orchard history…
Sharon is a third generation orchardist, she worked on the orchard for three years with family before purchasing the property in 1980 (purchased from family). Sharon grew potatoes in the early years to help supplement income.
How long has your family/you been growing Batlow Apples?
We have been growing Batlow apples for 29 years at Tingara, however Michael worked for his father-inlaw for five years previously.
Is there a history to the orchard?
Our orchard was originally a soldier settlement block. When we purchased the block there was only 4 hectares of apple trees, one house, one shed and one dam. We have been progressively expanding and updating varieties, we now have 25 hectares of apples.
What varieties do you grow and what is your favourite?
Red Delicious, Fuji, Royal Gala and Pink Lady. No favourites, we enjoy them all as they all have great characteristics.
Life in Batlow for a grower…
We enjoy fresh air, great water, lots of space, quiet nights.
Centrally located between Sydney and Melbourne and just a few hours drive.
Why are you proud to be part of Batlow Fruit Cooperative?
The Batlow Fruit Co-operative enables us to be part of the most recognizable produce brand on the east coast of Australia which in turn gives us strength in the market. The Co-operative has state of the art grading and packing facilities. The challenges are threat of imports, keeping up with consumer demands and obtaining good labour.