Camilla Humphries

Hort Innovation, NSW/VIC

HILA Employment Category: Horticulture Research & Development Officer

Private companies, grower organisations and state government agencies make large investments in research and development to support the success of Australian horticulture businesses.

Horticulture research and development (R&D) managers like Camilla Humphries, determine, implement and monitor research and development strategies, policies and plans for the horticulture sector.

Working for Hort Innovation, Camilla’s daily tasks involve procuring new investments, writing research proposals, and pitching new concepts to the industry’s strategic advisory panel while working closely with delivery partners, researchers from universities and private and government research organisations. Camilla’s interest in horticulture started at a young age, growing up on her family’s hobby apple orchard in Red Hill, Victoria, where she now also makes commercial apple cider.

She has a Master’s degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne. Camilla connects professional alumni with agriculture science students and offers them support, mentoring and career advice. She encourages inspiring agriculture science students or graduates to get in touch with her at camilla.humphries@horticulture.com.au.

Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australia’s horticulture industry, which manages the investment of grower levies in research and development. Its primary function is to create value for horticulture growers and those across the horticulture supply chain.

Core tasks

  • Determining, implementing and monitoring research and development strategies, policies and plans.
  • Developing and implementing research projects, priorities and targets to support commercial and policy developments.
  • Leading major research projects and coordinating activities of other research workers.
  • Assessing the benefits and monitoring the costs and effectiveness of research and development activities.
  • Interpreting results of research projects and recommending associated product and service development innovations.
  • Providing advice on research and development options available to the organisation.
  • Monitoring leading-edge developments in relevant disciplines and assessing implications for the organisation.
  • May publish results of significant research projects.

Study pathways

  • Bachelor of Agriculture Science
  • Diploma of Agriculture  –  AHC50116
  • Certificate III in Agriculture – AHC30116
  • Certificate III in Horticulture – AHC30716

Training Recommended

  • Driver’s licence
  • Agriculture science courses
  • Proficient English verbal and written communication
  • Organised and able to meet deadlines
  • Agsafe training