Hort Innovation

About Hort Innovation

Hort Innovation invests in research, development, and marketing initiatives for Australian horticulture, aiming to enhance productivity, profitability, and global competitiveness of the sector.

Investment decisions are made based on levy industry priorities, which are determined with industry and outlined in strategic investment plans. Hort Innovation undertakes widespread consultation with growers at industry-specific advisory panel discussions. These panels are made up of representatives from each levy industry, who provide guidance, approval, and insights around investments to the Hort Innovation team.

Alongside levy investments, Hort Innovation also supports innovation via its co-investment model, Frontiers. The Frontiers programs are entirely complementary to the levy work Hort Innovation completes, aiming to provide alternative funding opportunities for projects that will help solve horticulture’s major challenges by teaming up with local and global innovators. 

Funding

• Hort Innovation receives levy funds from growers across 37 horticultural commodities, and
• For R&D projects, the Australian Government, through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, matches this levy investment dollar for dollar. 

Strategic priorities

Hort Innovation's Strategy 2024–2026 outlines five imperatives and 18 priorities aimed at advancing Australia's $17 billion horticulture industry. These priorities focus on innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration to build a prosperous and sustainable future for growers. These priorities are further outlined in Hort Innovation Strategy 2024 – 2026.

The five imperatives:

1. Enhance and Safeguard Supply: Focus on research and development (R&D), biosecurity measures, and sustainability practices to ensure a resilient and secure supply chain.
2. Accelerate Local and Global Demand: Improve market access, expand trade opportunities, and enhance marketing strategies to increase demand for Australian horticultural products both domestically and internationally.
3. Maximise and Diversify Investments: Target strategic investments, foster partnerships, and develop investment planning frameworks to attract and optimise funding sources.
4. Make the Culture Thrive: Promote collaboration, customer-centric approaches, and industry capability development to create a thriving and sustainable horticultural culture.
5. Work Simply and Effectively: Ensure operational efficiency, reduce complexity, and maintain quality governance to enhance the effectiveness of Hort Innovation's initiatives.