Applications open for scholarship supporting horticulture research

• $150,000 scholarship for postgraduate research to help Western Australia's horticulture industry to grow and thrive
• Scholarship backs targeted research that will benefit local growers
• Cook Government investing in next generation research and development

Applications are open for the John Cripps Horticulture Scholarship to develop the next generation of researchers, with the support of the Cook Government.

The postgraduate scholarship provides $50,000 per annum for a Doctorate or Masters student to undertake full-time study on targeted science-based projects that benefit Western Australian's valuable horticulture industry.

The scholarship honours the memory of John Cripps, the renowned breeder of the Pink Lady apple, and is endorsed by the Cripps family.

Applicants can select a research topic from a range of integrated pest management or postproduction options, including chilli thrips, western flower thrips, longtail mealybugs and cluster caterpillars, as well as refining avocado storage and ripening.

Study can be undertaken at any WA university and will have a collaborative focus partnering with government, academia, and industry.

The John Cripps Horticulture Scholarship is funded by royalties from horticulture varieties developed by the State, including those from Cripps Pink and Cripps Red apple varieties - marketed as Pink Lady, Sundowner, and Bravo.

The biennial scholarship was opened today at the WA Horticulture Update, hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, where the latest industry advances, research, and innovations was shared with industry businesses and growers.

Inaugural scholarship recipient Golam Azam is one year into his doctorate mapping the genetics of the Cripps Pink variety and similar lines to help breed new tasty apples for consumers to enjoy that are profitable for growers.

The initiative demonstrates the Cook Government's commitment to driving a strong future for WA's horticulture industry, together with the new Primary Industries Research Centre at Jandakot and field trial site at Wanneroo.

WA's $1.92 billion horticulture industry continues to grow, with 2023-24 figures showing a year-on-year increase in the value of avocadoes by 59 per cent, blueberries are up 25 per cent, strawberries up 16 per cent and bananas, table grapes, and apples by more than 4 per cent.

For more information and to make any application, visit www.dpird.wa.gov.au/cripps-horticulture-scholarships/

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"This scholarship is a fitting tribute to the 'father of the Pink Lady apple' John Cripps, who was not only a highly skilled scientist but also a visionary, putting WA bred apples on the international stage.

"The successful candidate will undertake important research on solutions to important challenges facing WA fruit and vegetable growers - helping this valuable industry to continue to grow and thrive.

"I encourage all scientists with a passion for discovery and making a difference to investigate how the John Cripps Horticulture Scholarship could further their professional career development."