This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The Australian onion industry New Zealand study tour departed Melbourne with nine delegates on April 30th, 2009. Arrival was into Auckland. 

The tour covered the major onion producing areas within New Zealand. It also included visits to research areas, universities and research laboratories. The major onion growing areas of New Zealand are Pukekohe, Napier, Hastings, Christchurch and Ashburton. The Universities and research facilities were in Palmerston North and Lincoln. 

The study tour provided delegates an opportunity to develop extensive networks within all sectors of the New Zealand onion industry. This included growers, researchers, seed representatives and engineers.

This tour was a relaxed informative way for the onion industry representatives from both sides of the Tasman to compare notes and competently network. It covered parts of the Strategic Imperatives in the Australian Onion Industry Strategic Plan as will be reported on throughout this document.

• Grow the market for Australian onion products
  • Develop onion products aligned with priority market segments
  • Explore export opportunities for onion products

• Improve industry competitiveness
  • Improve our ability to respond to disease and pest threats

• Strengthen industry information and communication networks
  • Generate and communicate reliable and targeted information for “industry members”
  • Encourage through chain collaboration and communication

• Identify and build industry leadership and capacity
  • Encourage industry participation and leadership
  • Enhance industry business and leadership skills.