Turning industry data into on‑farm decisions: how the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook can work for you
Publication date: 24 February 2026
Media Release
Every season brings a fresh set of decisions for growers - what to plant, where to invest, which markets to prioritise and how to stay competitive in a changing environment. While experience and local knowledge remain critical, having access to reliable, macro‑level data can make those decisions.
That’s where the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook comes in. Produced annually and covering more than 70 horticultural categories, the Handbook brings together production, value, trade and market data into one practical reference point for growers.
Seeing the bigger picture beyond the farm gate
It’s easy to focus on what’s happening on your own farm or within your region. The Handbook helps growers step back and understand how their crop is performing nationally - and how that compares to other commodities.
By exploring trends in production volumes, farmgate values and demand over time, growers can:
- Check whether strong or soft prices are part of a wider industry trend or a localised issue;
- Understand how their category is tracking compared to others across horticulture; and
- Identify longer‑term shifts in supply and demand that may influence future planning.
This broader context can be particularly valuable when making medium‑ to long‑term decisions, such as re‑planting, orchard expansion or diversification.
Using data to guide investment and risk decisions
The Handbook also supports more informed conversations around investment and risk. Whether you’re weighing up new infrastructure, technology adoption or changes to production systems, having independent data can strengthen business cases and planning discussions.
Growers can use the data to:
- Benchmark their crop’s performance against national averages;
- Support conversations with lenders, insurers or advisors using trusted industry figures; and
- Better understand exposure to domestic versus export markets.
With insights drawn from multiple data sources, including production and trade information, the Handbook helps reduce guesswork when weighing up big decisions.
Spotting market and export opportunities
For growers involved in export markets - or considering them - the Handbook provides a clear view of how Australian horticulture is performing globally. Trade data highlights trends where growth is occurring and which categories are seeing increased demand offshore.
This information can help growers:
- Assess whether export demand is growing or stabilising for their crop;
- Understand how exports sit alongside domestic supply; and
- Inform discussions with marketers, exporters and industry bodies.
Even for growers focused on the domestic market, understanding export dynamics can explain shifts in pricing, availability and competition at home.
A practical tool, not just a report
Importantly, the Handbook is designed to be used - not just read once and put aside. Growers can dip into individual crop pages, track trends over time and return to the data as plans evolve through the season.
With upcoming regional‑level insights set to add even more local relevance, the Handbook continues to evolve as a practical planning tool for growers looking to back their decisions with evidence, not instinct alone.
In short: the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook won’t replace on‑farm experience - but it can sharpen it. Used well, it helps growers make clearer decisions, plan with confidence and better understand where their business sits within Australia’s broader horticulture landscape.
