This project was born out of the need to provide ongoing economic research and develop the statistical database for the Australian vegetable industry. The project was established as a short term measure (six months) to give the industry time to consider a longer term approach towards the provision of economic services to be dovetailed with the vegetable industry’s strategic plan.

The project specification included the development of the range of economic data available on the industry through collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE). Other work required included the delivery of speeches to selected groups, the writing of articles for industry magazines, reports on vegetable industry matters, economic services for the Australian Vegetable Industry Development Group and the Vegetable Industry Advisory Council, representation of the industry in public forums and in interaction with Government, liaison with Hort Innovation (which was then Horticulture Australia Limited), representation on the Horticulture Market Access Committee and the provision of general information for vegetable growers on economic matters.

The key outcome of this project was delivery on these matters despite the resignation of the project team member responsible for this project midway through April. The industry had a much wider and more accurate database. There was now a range of data available for somebody with economic expertise to analyse. Processes were set up to ensure the continuing provision of quality data for the vegetable industry. The ABS had at the time of writing (mid June, 2008) just delivered some extensive data which enabled more in depth analysis to be undertaken on the industry including some regional analysis.

Despite the advances made with this project the industry required further and expanded data collection. Consistent time series data was essential. More extensive data on costs of production was needed to establish benchmarks to which individual producers strived to achieve best business practice. Further economic work was required on supply chain demands and interchange of economic information with processors and retailers. The paucity of data on consumption needed to be addressed. Studies of demographic and lifestyle trends were essential to assist the industry in the achievement of the strategic direction outlined in VegVision 2020.

The industry required ongoing economic expertise to provide the research necessary for the vegetable industry to demonstrate its importance, to provide the economic rigour in support of vegetable industry objectives and assist vegetable growers in understanding wider economic issues.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund