National Horticultural Research Network - Horticulture Industry ...

National Horticultural Research Network
Lifestyle Sector RD&E Framework September 2010
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3. Lifestyle Horticulture. Situation and Outlook
ABS data (Cat7503.0, 2007/08) gives the value of nursery (only) production in Australia and the
various states as follows;
2008/09 NSW Vic Qld SA WA Tas NT Total
$million 274 528 432 68 167 42 10 1,433
3.1 Definition
Lifestyle Horticulture is the generic term used to collectively describe the non-edible horticulture
industry and supply chain sectors and includes the production turf, nursery and cut flower industries.
Lifestyle horticulture transcends all state borders and spreads across urban, peri-urban regional and
rural environments.
It should be noted that the nursery sector also underpins a number of other horticulture sectors within
the fruit, nut and vegetable industries through the provision of planting material.
This analysis excludes the wildflower segment - Australian native flower production, wild harvested
native product and cut flowers of South African origin such as protea. The wildflower segment is
dealt with in the New and Emerging Industries RD&E Framework prepared by RIRDC.
3.2 Overarching issues for the Lifestyle Sector
Improved Farm Systems and Practices. Increased mechanisation, improved irrigation water use
efficiency and improvements to production efficiencies (reduced inputs) are key factors requiring
attention.
Market Development. Significant potential for increased exports in cut flowers and nursery products
remains underdeveloped and domestic consumption remains relatively low in some sectors (eg cut
flowers) compared to other developed countries.
Biosecurity. The prevention and management of new exotic pests, diseases and weeds entering the
country and interstate and international market entry issues is a key area affecting growth and
profitability within the sector. Access to chemical/pesticide use is a major limiting factor for the
industry - few chemicals are registered specifically for nursery, turf or flowers. This issue has not
adequately been addressed to date in any of the production sectors.
Climate Change. Climate change and variability (e.g. reduced rainfall and higher temperatures in
southern Australia, more extreme weather events in northern Australia), is a major RD&E driver for
the lifestyle industries. The main implications are rising input costs (energy, fertiliser, fuel, water,
etc) placing increased pressure on production costs for the sector and government policy changes
affecting both production of lifestyle horticulture products and consumer demand for them. Examples
of the latter are reduced access to urban water for irrigation of outdoor gardens and reduced plantings
of garden plants and turf in southern Australia.
Skills and Workforce Management. The delivery and uptake of training for existing industry
members including improved management practices and the development of career pathways to
ensure a source of workers for the future.
Green Infrastructure Development. Green Infrastructure has a multitude of environmental, social
and economic benefits that greatly enhance the liveability of Australia urban environments. Economic
modelling to quantify and accentuate these benefits in urban and peri-urban environments is required.
This data will ensure that Green Infrastructure is valued as a community asset in the health and well-
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