What was it all about?

This project developed the first 10-year Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Strategy for Australia’s certified organic horticulture sector. The strategy provides a roadmap for future investment by identifying key constraints, prioritising opportunities and outlining actions to support the sector's long-term sustainability and profitability. It culminated in the publication of the Australian Organic Horticulture RD&I Strategy 2026-2035.  

Extensive consultation across the organic horticulture supply chain helped shape the strategy. Producers, retailers, industry bodies and other stakeholders participated in six regional roundtables and more than 34 one-on-one consultations. The consultation process generated more than 1,100 pieces of stakeholder feedback that informed the prioritisation of RD&I initiatives.  

Many of the production, market and regulatory challenges facing certified organic horticulture are not fully addressed through broader horticulture research and innovation programs. To help identify future priorities, the project examined current research capability, identified gaps in available expertise, and assessed the risks and opportunity costs of under-investment. It also considered international developments and opportunities to adapt existing research to certified organic production systems.  

The strategy identified prioritised RD&I initiatives across three key themes: The Organic Value Proposition, Cooperative Innovation and Embracing Technologies. Together, these priorities provide a framework for future investment, collaboration and implementation across the Australian organic horticulture sector.