National Horticultural Research Network - Horticulture Industry ...

National Horticultural Research Network
Vegetable Sector RD&E Framework September 2010
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2.1.2.2 Industry Outlook and Drivers - Brassica vegetables
In contrast to the Leafy and Asian vegetables, production trends indicate a mature domestic market
for each of these crops. Loss of export markets has impacted upon cauliflower production in WA.
These may be able to be regained if the AU$ returns to around US$0.70.
The main issue for these crops is competitiveness against both fresh and frozen imports, requiring an
increase in productivity. In the five years to 30 June 2007, total fresh and chilled Brassica vegetable
imports grew by 86% to $41.4 million per annum, representing 18% of total industry value. The
future demand for broccoli could be expected to be boosted by new generation phyto-nutrient
products through the Vital Vegetables program and other initiatives.
Strategies: include reduction in the cost of production to increase competitiveness against imports
(primarily by mechanisation), and to regain export markets through the development of value added
and differentiated products such as the Vital Vegetables program.
2.1.3 Cucurbit Vegetables and Melons
Table 10: Production data for major Cucurbit vegetables and melons
Crop/year NSW Vic Qld SA WA Tas NT Total
Melon 64,528 6,359 87,446 3,361 25,640 - 17,640 204,966
2007 (t)
Melon 35,597 5975 99,295 773 31523 - 3603 173,787
2002 (t)
Pumpkin 29,255 3,362 39,847 8,513 19,562 1,676 290 102,505
2007 (t)
Pumpkin 20,036 7,838 47,183 6,583 11,741 1,963 987 96,331
2002 (t)
Cucumber 4,105 370 16,869 19,184 1,161 22 220 41,931
2007 (t)
Cucumber 5,262 - 5,669 933 1,955 25 28 14,390
2002 (t)
Zucchini
2007(t)
1,470 2,909 16,301 677 2,142 71 135 23,704
2.1.3.1 Production and Locations - Cucurbit Vegetables and Melons
Table 10 shows the production by State of Cucurbit vegetables and melons for 2002 and 2007.
Melon: Production increased during the period. The main production States are Qld (42%) and NSW
(32%).
Pumpkin: A small net increase in production during the period resulted from decreased production in
Qld and Vic, partially offset by increased production in NSW, SA and WA. Qld is the major producer
with 39% of the national crop, followed by NSW with 29%.
Cucumber The major increase in production during the period was due to increases in SA and to a
lesser extent Qld, largely due to the expansion of covered production and new product forms. SA is
now the major producer with 45% of national production.
Zucchini: No ABS figures are available for 2002. In 2007, Qld was the major producer with 69% of
national production.
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