Aussie regions spur projected $4B hike in horticulture sector, new report shows

The Australian fruit, vegetable, nut, turf, and nursery industries are projected to surge by up to 22.5 percent in combined value by 2030, increasing $4B to reach $21.8B, according to data released today.

Commissioned by Hort Innovation, the Contribution of Australian horticulture industry report recognizes 25 horticultural growing regions nationally, revealing the current and projected economic contributions of the horticulture sector (including production and processing) at state and national levels.

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,” Mr. 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 $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 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.”

Other findings from the report include:

• North West (Mildura) in Victoria is Australia’s largest horticultural region and is projected to grow 32 percent from $1.7 billion in 2020-21 to $2.2 billion in 2029-30.
• In the Adelaide Plains, the horticulture sector is projected to grow 29 percent to $1.2 billion by 2029-2030.
• Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, region produces more than half of the nation’s berries.
• In Cairns, Queensland, the horticulture industry is projected to grow 26 percent to $1 billion by 2030 under the central scenario.
• Oranges are projected to grow by 43.6 percent in value during the period 2020-21 to 2029-30.
• Bananas, which are almost exclusively consumed domestically, are projected to grow 14 percent in value during the period 2020-21 to 2029-30.
• Almonds, which have a strong export market focus, are projected to grow 42.4 percent in value during the period 2020-21 to 2029-30.
• For every 100 jobs that exist in horticulture, an additional 21.3 jobs are created in other sectors.
• 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 $12.96 billion.

See more in the summary and full report on the Hort Innovation website here.