Australian carrot growers are set to benefit from a new research initiative designed to maximise the packout of high-quality carrots and strengthen the industry’s bottom line.  

The project, Maximising Carrot Packout (VG24007), will deliver practical solutions to help growers reduce losses, improve crop quality, and meet the demands of both domestic and export markets. Funded by Hort Innovation and delivered in collaboration with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD), the project will run over three years and unfold in three key stages.  

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager Sustainability and Production R&D at Hort Innovation said the project was an investment for the future of Australia's carrot industry: “This project is about giving growers the tools and knowledge they need to deliver top-quality carrots to market, improving profitability and strengthening the supply chain. By focusing on practical solutions and industry collaboration, we’re helping growers overcome production challenges, reduce losses, and ultimately achieve better returns for their hard work.”  

The first phase of the project will commence in December 2025 working closely with growers and industry experts to identify the most pressing challenges and research gaps affecting carrot quality and packout rates. Insights from supply chain monitoring, grower interviews and a workshop, on-farm monitoring, and a comprehensive review of existing research will inform the development of a targeted R&D trial plan.   

This will be followed by targeted research and on-farm trials to tackle the major causes of carrot defects and explore best-practice postharvest storage strategies. It will then transition into assessing the impact of new management approaches on both crop quality and farm profitability, ensuring recommendations are practical and economically sound.  

A strong focus on industry engagement and knowledge transfer will underpin the final stage. Through workshops, demonstrations, publications, and digital resources, the project will equip carrot growers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders with the tools and information needed to adopt proven practices and drive continuous improvement across the sector.  

Neil Lantzke, WA DPIRD research scientist said: “By working hand-in-hand with growers and focusing our research on source of packout challenges, we’re confident this project will deliver practical strategies that make a real difference on-farm. The collaborative approach means we can adapt and respond to industry’s evolving needs, as the project progresses.” 

Vincent Tana, Managing Director at Sumich, a Western Australian and Tasmanian carrot grower, said: “Packout rates have a direct impact on profitability, so finding ways to reduce losses is a priority for all of us in the industry. This project is exciting because it focuses on practical, research-driven solutions that can be applied on-farm to improve quality and deliver better returns.” 

By addressing production and postharvest challenges, this project will help Australian carrot growers improve quality, reduce losses, and boost returns across domestic and export markets. 

This initiative is funded through the Vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.