Australia's sixth richest person is converting a cattle station into a mango orchard in what is set to be one of the largest farms for the subtropical fruit in Western Australia. 

Andrew Forrest. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has reported Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has received approvals to grow the fruit on 90 hectares of land north of Carnarvon.

The story reported the farm would be around 10 times the size of existing plantations in the region, with Forrest's Minderoo Group set to harness the export potential the farm will provide.

"We're very excited by both the export and domestic market opportunities," Minderoo Group head of investment John Hartman told the broadcaster.

According to the Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA), the country's mango production is still predominantly focused on domestic sales but in recent years exports have made up 12-15% and a goal has been set to hit the 20% mark.

The association is forecasting nationwide production of close to 8.5 million trays this season.

Click here for the original article from the ABC. 

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