Success story
Growtek
Growing for the Future: Growtek Nurseries Cultivates Success in River Country
For more than 25 years, Growtek Nurseries has been supplying fruit and nut trees specialising in the supply of bare rooted trees, helping support the development of some of Australia’s largest commercial orchards.
Established in 2001 and led by Lachie McKenzie, Growtek specialises in bare-rooted trees, with a strong focus on almonds and other Prunus varieties. Recognising the emergence of larger corporate orchard developments in the late 1990s, Lachie saw an opportunity to create a nursery capable of supplying not only the volume these developments required, but also the uniformity, quality and tree health needed to perform efficiently at scale.
Today, Growtek works closely with orchard developers well before planting begins. With major developments requiring thousands of trees each day during planting, planning can start up to two years in advance to determine rootstocks, varieties, tree age and size, planting schedules and delivery requirements. This collaborative approach helps growers get the right trees, in the right condition, at the right time.
Innovation is central to Growtek’s success. The nursery supports the Australian almond industry’s commitment to high-health propagation material and has invested in bringing promising international plant genetics into Australia. With new varieties and rootstocks taking years to progress through importation, quarantine, propagation and commercial production, Growtek is continually looking ahead to what Australian growers will need next.
The business has also developed its own specialised trailer-based delivery system to meet the logistical challenges of large-scale orchard planting. Trees can be packed in planting order and transported directly to orchard sites, reducing handling and helping planting teams work efficiently across properties that can extend to thousands of hectares.
For Lachie, River Country provides an ideal environment for the business. The combination of suitable soils, access to water and climatic conditions provides the foundations needed for nursery production and the region’s substantial almond industry. Access to nearby regional centres also provides workforce, education, healthcare and lifestyle benefits.
“The Murray River region is really ideal for that. The soil types are mostly exactly what we require, and that environmental factor is almost perfect.” Lachie McKenzie, Growtek Nurseries
FAST FACTS
Growtek
Growing since 2001
Growtek Nurseries has more than 25 years of experience producing bare-rooted trees, specialising in almonds and other Prunus varieties for commercial orchard developments.
Innovation: from nursery to orchard
From sourcing new genetics and high-health propagation material to developing a specialised trailer delivery system, Growtek continues to innovate to meet the needs of large-scale growers.
Grown for large-scale development
Growtek works with clients up to two years before planting, planning varieties, rootstocks, tree specifications and logistics for projects that can require the delivery and planting of up to 20,000 trees per day.
Why here
River Country is the premier choice for food and agriculture businesses looking for a brighter future
The Murray River region boasts a rich food and agribusiness pedigree, providing ideal conditions for growth. With its Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and reliable water resources, this area supports innovative food producers and agribusinesses.
The region’s commitment to sustainability, advanced agricultural practices, and access to a skilled workforce make it an attractive destination for those looking to thrive in the agricultural sector. The Murray River is not just a place to grow; it’s a place where agribusinesses can flourish and lead in sustainable practices, positioning itself as a key player in Australia’s food production landscape.
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