A stalwart of the Tasmanian apple and pear industry, Scott Price, has hung up his clippers after nearly 50 years, looking forward to his first summer of freedom on the water.
Known affectionately as ‘Pricey’ or ‘Uncle’, the respected orchardist was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his transformative impact on the industry.
“There’s no question that the bad thing about apple growing is when all your mates are going sailing or circumnavigating Tasmania in the summer, you can’t be part of it. But now I can” Price said.
His career began as a teenager working for his godfather, Hedley Calvert, sweeping floors and making boxes for 20 cents an hour at Calvert Bros’ orchard in Waterloo, south of Hobart.
By his early twenties, Price was given responsibility for developing Rookwood, a new greenfield site, where he would spend the next 42 years with his wife Aina raising their three children.
For the past decade, he served as Production Manager for both Rookwood and Grove orchards in the Huon Valley under R&R Smith.
Price’s industry contributions include introducing new apple varieties, implementing high-density plantings and pioneering organic practices.
His leadership roles span multiple organisations, including President of Fruit Growers Tasmania and Director of Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL), where he guided the development of the Pink Lady® business.
“Hedley told me right at the start ‘If you don’t put in, you won’t get out’ and encouraged me to get involved in the industry” Price said.
Throughout his career, Price has been passionate about mentoring the next generation of growers.
“I think it’s more important than ever to invest in young people, whether it’s your children or the smart young people that a big corporate orchard needs to keep the business going. It’s pretty tough to make ag sexy and they need a lot of support as they come up through the ranks – the top rung of the ladder is pretty greasy!” he said.
As he embarks on retirement, Price sees parallels between orcharding and his passion for sailing.
“When you’re sailing, you’re at the mercy of the elements. It’s a bit like our business – growers who adapt and change and are in sync with market demands and Mother Nature won’t fail.”
