The objective of VG08040 “Economic research services for the vegetable industry” was to improve the range of economic data available; research and analyze that data and provide a range of economic information previously denied to the vegetable industry. The project also sought to apply economic expertise on issues relating to the industry and to broaden growers’ horizons from farm production issues to post farm gate issues. These economic inputs were seen as essential for industry development and to ensure the long term viability of the vegetable industry.

This project was multi faceted in both areas covered and methods of delivery. Major components of the project were:

• Data collection and analysis
• Research papers
• Weekly economic commentary
• Magazine articles
• Presentations and speeches
• Commodity spotlights
• Support for industry participants
• Work on market access issues
• Industry representation in economic forums
• Input into the industry’s development and strategic plan

This project had delivered an expansion in the range of economic data and information available on the vegetable industry as well as rigorous research and analysis of the implications for the industry of trends in that data.

As a result of this project;

• Data on the domestic operations and finances of Australian vegetable growers became publicly available on the AUSVEG website
• Extensive trade data had been collected and analyzed and had played a key role in highlighting the loss of trade competitiveness of the Australian industry
• A number of specialized commodity reports were produced and published to the website
• Researchers, industry bodies and policy makers received strong economic support from this project
• Economic rigour had occurred in areas where none was previously available Research papers and magazine articles were written analysing key issues for the industry
• Vegetable growers’ horizons were extended beyond the farm gate
• Emphasis had been placed on rates of return rather than production
• Growers enhanced economic knowledge and were more aware of the fact that they were businesses rather than growers.

Further development of economics based work was essential for the industry’s future well being. Ongoing development work was required on data collection and to utilize more fully information on growers’ financial conditions. Further in depth analysis of trends in trade was required as the industry was facing stagnant export markets and increasing import penetration. Benchmarking studies and analysis was required to encourage best practice in the industry and to identify the areas where cost competitiveness and/or quality had been lost. Supply chain issues need economic analysis to enhance the returns to growers and identify areas for cost reduction.

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