THE Australian fruit, vegetable, nut, turf and nursery industries are projected to increase by up to 22.5 per cent or $4 billion in combined value to reach $21.8b by 2030.
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Commissioned by Hort Innovation, the Contribution of Australian horticulture industry report analyses 25 key growing regions, revealing the current and projected economic contributions of production and processing in horticulture.
Key findings include:
- Australia's largest horticultural region, Mildura, is projected to grow 32pc from $1.7b to $2.2b.
- Adelaide Plains's horticulture sector is projected to grow 29pc to $1.2b.
- The Coffs Harbour region produces more than half of the nation's berries.
- The horticulture industry at Cairns is projected to grow 26pc to $1b.
- Oranges are projected to grow by 43.6pc in value.
- Bananas, which are almost exclusively consumed domestically, are projected to grow 14pc in value during the period 2020-21 to 2029-30.
- Almonds, which have a strong export market focus, are projected to grow 42.4pc in value.
Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said the Australian horticulture sector was on a significant growth trajectory, driven largely by strong export growth from trade-focused commodities, as well as productivity increases and population growth.
"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," Mr Fifield said.
"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 $130 million a 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 Contribution of Australian horticulture industry report was a powerful tool for telling horticulture's story
"The report shows the broad positive impact that we will continue to have going forward," Ms McClelland said.
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