This review has revealed a complex but functional Minor Use system in place for vegetables. It has multiple stakeholders and relies on the industry-government partnership for funding. Many industry stakeholders are not aware of how the system operates and how their input to it could improve timeframes and responsiveness to industry needs. Registrants find insufficient commercial incentives in the process to drive regular participation, but national regulatory incentives that offer value to registrants have been identified.

The minor use programme requires significant funds for management and data generation and the recommended introduction of a formal prioritisation process will allow investment on industry’s behalf to be more objective. Increased engagement, industry ownership, communication, prioritisation, refined timelines and incentives the minor use programme could become streamlined and more cost-effective.

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