Australian Farmers Continue to Respond to Opportunities and Challenges

Article by: Hari Yellina

The Australian horticulture industry is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to ensure its continuing growth and development. Collaboration with growers, industry executives, organisations, and other government entities is part of this process. To enhance market access and trade conditions for Australian exporters, as well as manage biosecurity issues, the department collaborates with businesses and other government agencies. Hort Innovation, which is answerable to the Australian Parliament through the Minister for Agriculture, is in charge of horticultural research, development, and extension. Hort Innovation collaborates with the department to guarantee that performance standards are met. The Horticulture Code of Conduct, which exists to offer clarity and openness in transactions between farmers and wholesalers of fresh fruits and vegetables, is likewise monitored by the department.

Fruit, vegetables, nuts, flowers, turf, and nursery items are all part of Australia’s horticulture industry. According to a DAWE Department official, “the industry works in a highly competitive local and international market, is labour demanding, and is largely seasonal.” “Australia’s horticulture industry has a long and deserved reputation as a sustainable producer of high-quality, safe food, owing to our rigorous standards at all stages of the supply chain, from farm to consumer.” It is primarily made up of small-scale family farms, but there is an increasing trend toward medium and larger-scale operations. Farmers in Australia are continuing to change their operations and embrace new technology in response to the opportunities and challenges of agricultural production in Australia, such as the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and availability of seasonal workers, growing input costs, and increased competition.

In addition, the Australian government is paying $60.9 million to horticulture growers to construct netting that will improve on-farm resilience against extreme weather, reduce pest predation, reduce crop losses, and save water through evaporation. “Hort Connections is the largest horticulture conference and trade expo in Australia and New Zealand. It allows the department to engage with producers, industry representative organisations, and others involved in the horticulture supply chain. It’s an opportunity to talk about the sector’s difficulties and possibilities while also getting a firsthand look at new breakthroughs and technologies.”