National Horticultural Research Network - Horticulture Industry ...

National Horticultural Research Network
Vegetable Sector RD&E Framework September 2010
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Processing: The major producer is Tas (36%) followed by Vic (25%)
2.1.6.2 Industry Outlook and Drivers - Fresh and Processing Potatoes
Fresh: This is a mature industry that has struggled to maintain its market share against other sources
of starch such as pasta and rice. Key drivers are factors for improving production efficiency (e.g.
disease management, irrigation) and preventing incursions from exotic pests and diseases.
Opportunities exist for product differentiation through starch manipulation leading to low GI starch
(breeding and biotechnology). Consumer preference for washed potatoes (rather than brushed) has
driven a move to production in sandy soils (particularly SA).
An interesting development has been the investment in fresh potato breeding by fresh potato supply
chains, indicating a perceived market for differentiated products.
Processing: Productivity gains are needed to combat overseas imports, including improving
efficiency (e.g. disease management in processing potatoes) and preventing incursions from exotic
pests and diseases.
2.1.7 Carrots and Onions
Table 14: Production data for carrots and onions
Crop/year NSW Vic Qld SA WA Tas NT Total
Carrots 31,181 44,581 28,970 65,496 47,792 53,444 271,464
2007 (t)
Carrots
2002 (t)
20,820 113,309 25,918 47,126 88,211 35,745 331,129
Onion 2007
(t)
Onion 2002
(t)
16,681 14,122 40,1521 91,218 17,534 66,403 387 246,496
39,253 25,925 31,720 105,622 17,021 62,975 - 282,516
2.1.7.1 Production and Locations - Carrots, Onions
Table 14 shows the production by State of carrots and onions for 2002 and 2007.
Carrots: National production decreased during the period, due to large reductions in production in
Vic (possibly due to a reduced availability of water) and in WA (export market decline). SA is the
major producer (24%), followed by Tas, WA, Vic, NSW and Qld with roughly equal shares of the
national crop (around 15% each). The major exporter is WA which exports just under 20% of the
national crop - most WA production is for export.
Onions: Production decreased during the period, particularly in NSW, Vic and SA (possibly due to
reduced water availability along the Murray). SA produces 37% of the national crop and Tas produces
27%.
2.1.7.2 Industry Outlook and Drivers - Carrots and Onions
Production is declining for both these crops. There is strong competition for export markets from
lower cost producers.
Carrots and Onions. Unfavourable exchange rates and improving quality from lower cost
competitors on export markets have eroded Australian export opportunities. Imports are also a threat.
Climate change and reduced availability of irrigation water along the Murray are a major threat to
continued production.
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