Innovation challenge launched to help Australian veggie growers

A national Open Innovation Challenge to tackle the most pressing issues facing Australia’s vegetable growers, launched today by Hort Innovation invites bold ideas from across the horticulture ecosystem.  

With data from AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Surveys showing more than one in three growers are considering leaving the industry, and that 62 per cent are financially worse off compared to a year ago, the call-out aims to fast-track transformational research and development that delivers real impact on-farm and across the supply chain. 

The initiative is designed to source solutions to three critical challenges identified by industry: rising costs and farming system complexity; supply chain inefficiencies and compliance burdens; and, the need for product innovation using vegetables to address declining consumption and preventative health – with the most impactful solutions being put to industry to receive sign off for full funding.  

Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation explained why the organisation had launched the Open Innovation Challenge: “Growers are under immense pressure. This challenge is about teaming up with industry to find solutions that are not just innovative, but transformational. We’re looking for ideas that can be adopted quickly and deliver measurable benefits to growers across Australia.” 

“We know that good ideas can come from anywhere. That’s why we’re opening the door to innovators from all walks of life - whether you’re a grower, a researcher, a startup, an entrepreneur, or a supply chain expert. If you have a solution that can help our veggie growers thrive, we want to hear from you.” 

Michael Coote, CEO at AUSVEG, explained: “Challenging business and operating conditions are making it harder and harder for vegetable growers to access and implement the productivity enhancements that are critical to their long-term viability. 

“Addressing these complex challenges requires an innovative multi-faceted approach, given anything that leads to greater productivity can make a material positive impact for growers in the typically high-volume, low-margin vegetable industry. 

“For innovators across the vegetable industry, supply chain and business and research communities, this challenge is a key opportunity to bring forward innovative ideas that help secure not only a more viable vegetable industry, but a healthier, more food secure Australia.”   

By collaborating with industry, Hort Innovation hopes that innovators will help shape a more resilient, profitable and sustainable future for Australian vegetable growers. 

Submissions are open to startups, researchers, delivery partners and individuals, and must be lodged via tenders.net by 3pm AEST, Friday 19 September 2025.