Australian horticulture on track for A$4bn growth

A new report commissioned by Hort Innovation has projected the combined value of Australian fruit, vegetable, nut, turf and nursery industries to increase by A$4bn to reach A$21.8bn by 2030.

The Contribution of Australian horticulture industry report recognises 25 horticultural growing regions nationally, revealing the current and projected economic contributions of the horticulture sector (including production and processing) state and national level.

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said the horticulture sectors’ strong outlook is spurred by a number of key drivers.

 “The data shows the Aussie horticulture sector is on a significant growth trajectory, driven largely by strong export growth from trade-focused commodities, as well as productivity increases and population growth,” Fifield said.

“There’s no denying all aspects of the horticulture industry including fruit, vegetables, nuts, turf and nursery are making a major contribution to the Aussie economy. In fact, for every 100 jobs that exist in horticulture, an additional 21.3 jobs are created in sectors such as wholesale trade, retail, transport and construction.”

“This contribution is underpinned by up to A$130m per year in investments through Hort Innovation into export, sustainability, production and biosecurity research and development initiatives, plus levy-funded marketing efforts.”

Australian Fresh Produce Alliance chief executive officer Claire McClelland said the data in the Contribution of Australian horticulture industry report provides vital insights into the value the Australian horticulture brings.

“This data, and the insight it brings, is a powerful tool for the horticulture sector in telling our story and showing the broad positive impact that we will continue to have going forward,” said McClelland.

The report also projected that North West (Mildura) in Victoria is Australia’s largest horticultural region and projected to grow 32 per cent from A$1.7bn in 2020-21 to A$2.2bn in 2029-30.

Oranges are projected to grow by 43.6 per cent in value during the period 2020-21 to 2029-30. Almonds, which have a strong export market focus, are projected to grow 42.4 per cent in value during the period 2020-21 to 2029-30.

Additionally, For every dollar of the value the horticulture sector generates, an additional 27.6 cents is created in the rest of the economy, amounting to A$12.96bn.