WATER security, biosecurity and workforce development are just some of the issues the Horticulture Coalition of South Australia have flagged ahead of the 2022 state election on Saturday, March 19.
Highlighted in its blueprint released last year, the body said continued growth of the industry was only possible through policy support and focus from the state government.
HCSA deputy-chair Jordan Brooke-Barnett said all parties were aware of the body's priorities, with copies of the blueprint provided months in advance.
"This isn't last-minute, or even new, information," he said.
"We laid out these priorities well in advance so they could be thoroughly researched and put into action after the election.
"It's all vital to ensure we have a future for our industry."
One of the main points outlined in the document is the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme, which could be used to boost employment and viability in the horticulture industry according to Mr Brooke-Barnett.
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"There are sort of competing priorities between us in the wine industry, but we'd like to see both sides of government commit to using the NAIS," he said.
"I think we can find a happy medium between the needs of the wine industry and intensive horticulture.
"We would like to see both major parties commit to getting the cost down with regards to that scheme so that we can get some uptake - that's our main issue at the moment."
Brought to the forefront by the pandemic, ongoing labour shortages across all sectors within the horticulture industry are also a concern for the body.
Mr Brooke-Barnett said the industry was moving away from backpackers, instead focusing on structured migration schemes.
"A lot of that issue sits with the federal government, which we hope will be addressed ahead of the federal election this year," he said.
"But what we can do at a state level is start getting regional accommodation in place.
"It's not something we're really geared up for at this stage, but it's something we need to consider moving forward."
With fruit fly outbreaks still a cause concern in the state, HCSA chair Angelo Demasi said an electronic certification program would be a game changer for the eradication of the pest.
"We have gone through wo years of fruit fly outbreaks," he said.
"The government eradicated it in Adelaide, but there's still concern around the Riverland.
"We need a better plan for if it ever happens again.
"Electronic certification needs to be approved by all levels of government as another biosecurity measure.
"We'll be able to track products and watch as they move from state to state as opposed to the manual system we have now they can easily be lost or misplaced.
"If implemented correctly, it will be a game changer."
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