The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released a snapshot of the contribution horticulture makes to the Western Australian economy.
The annual wholesale value of the State’s horticulture production in 2020 was $1.49 billion, which increased to $3.03 billion once it reached the end consumer in WA and point of export.
DPIRD research scientist and report co-author Manju Radhakrishnan said the publication was the first to provide a detailed breakdown of the area, value and volume of horticulture production in the State and across different regions.
“Horticulture is an intensive, high value production system, generating significant economic and employment benefits to the regions,” Mrs Radhakrishnan said.
“The sector has seen significant growth to meet export and domestic demand.
“The snapshot draws information from a number of sources and provides a consolidated overview of the value of horticulture which has often been undervalued by organisations collecting data.”
She noted that the figures were captured during a period when industry was affected adversely by COVID-19, with labour shortages, supply chain interruptions and freight issues.
WA horticulture comprises an area of about 45,000 hectares, with roughly two thirds occupied by fruit, including wine grapes, and one third by vegetables and annual horticultural crops.
“The production of both fruit and vegetables is concentrated with up to 90 per cent of production coming from the top ten fruit industries and above 70 per cent from top ten vegetable industries,” Mrs Radhakrishnan said.
“Production regions are also concentrated, with approximately 90 per cent of production by value coming from 20 very important local government areas.
“Some of the peri-urban areas are intensive producers of horticulture, an important aspect in terms of strategic planning.”
The top five fruit industries in 2020 were avocadoes, accounting for more than 30 per cent of value, followed by wine grapes, apples, strawberries and olives.
The top five vegetable crops were carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and broccoli.
Manjimup led the way in terms of production value, followed by Wanneroo, Gingin and Harvey.
A copy of the report titled ‘Situation Analysis of Horticulture in Western Australia’ is available here [1].
[2]Media contacts:
Megan Broad/Jodie Thomson, media liaison (08) 9368 3937/3137
