What was it all about?

This investment conducted a strategic review of Hort Innovation’s investments in citrus breeding and variety evaluation. The review found that the four projects (listed below) are on track to delivering the overarching citrus Strategic Investment Plan (2017-2021) KPI of having at least 20 new varieties and rootstocks evaluated for Australian conditions and made accessible to growers.

The projects reviewed included…

• Building a genetic foundation for Australia’s citrus future (CT15017)
• Evaluation of new rootstocks for the Australian citrus industry 2017-2022 (CT17002)
• Evaluation of new citrus varieties 2017-2022 (CT17006)
• Breeding new rootstocks for the Australian citrus industry (CT18004)

The review was completed in accordance with the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan, including an assessment against the four domains of the evaluation framework and agreed key performance indicators (KPIs).  In completing the review, the four domains of the framework were explored through the evaluation of specific key evaluation questions (KEQs). Evidence was drawn from a review of program documents and data, and targeted consultation with researchers, service providers and other relevant stakeholders. 

To support this review, the project team also completed visits to the Dareton Primary Industries Institute in NSW and Bundaberg Research Facility in Queensland.  This allowed one-on-one time with lead researchers and the opportunity to complete inspections of the facilities to fully review the programs.