Horticulture industries

Horticulture in South Australia

In 2005-06 the value of horticulture products in South Australia was $2.1 billion.

The major horticulture crops are potatoes, citrus, field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, almonds, apples and pears, onions, stonefruit and olives which account for over 90% of horticulture revenue.

The major horticulture production regions are: the Riverland (40% of product value), Murraylands (15%), Adelaide Plains (14%), Limestone Coast (11%) and Adelaide Hills (9%).

Growth of South Australia’s horticulture industries will be influenced by a number of drivers.

  • The capability and responsiveness of the industry for growth and structural adjustment to achieve efficiencies and economies of scale.
  • The market potential for which SA strives to produce the highest quality products at competitive prices.
  • The resource potential, where it is recognised that horticulture provides a good financial return on the land and water assets that are utilised.

PIRSA has consulted widely with the horticulture industries and believes that the top 5 Rate Limiters to growth are:

  • Need for improved collaboration, good value-chain linkages and appropriate business size to achieve competitiveness and reduce transaction costs.
  • The market conditions, especially the high value of the Australian dollar.
  • Availability of both skilled and casual workforce.
  • Organisational strength and need for effective industry associations to represent the needs of growers and other stakeholders.
  • Availability and security of natural resources, especially water.