Value Adding to Horticulture - 2003-2004

Background

This project is aimed at increasing the amount of value adding currently occurring within the South Australian horticultural industry - therefore increasing the overall profitability of South Australian horticulture.  Value adding can take the form of various applications such as washing, packaging, processing and branding.

Objectives

The project addressed the following:

  • Completion of the production of a value added apple product and the branding, distribution and packaging issues associated.
  • Development of a demonstration project utilising native food application to existing food products.
  • Assessment of the applicability of potato value adding being done in the UK and Europe to Australian producers and consumers.

Key Achievements

  • Study Tour undertaken of the UK and Netherlands investigating current value adding trends to potatoes.  Report produced with findings.
  • Industry workshop held highlighting the value adding opportunities that had been seen in the UK and Europe.
  • Development of a database of potato growers and processors.
  • Commitment gained from industry (SAPIT) to support further development of value adding opportunities.
  • Facilitation of an interstate fresh value added potato product to expand to national production using SA as a processing node.

Project Leader:  Mark Drew