THE Horticulture Coalition of SA has identified four key priorities from its Horticulture Blueprint, vital for growing the industry into the future, ahead of the state election.
Announced at the Rural Media SA Christmas luncheon by coalition president Susie Green, the blueprint highlights in the importance of horticulture to the broader state economy and the need for strong political support if the industry was to reach its full potential.
“Horticulture is a critical industry for SA and has strong potential for continual growth,” she said.
“We are asking politicians to work with the industry and provide the support SA horticultural businesses need to grow through sound policy support and investment.”
Key priorities included investing in water, power and transport infrastructure to develop and unlock additional productivity in key horticultural regions as well as a concerted effort to reduce government-imposed or affected input costs, such as levies and fees, service delivery costs and power.
Additionally, the coalition outlined the importance to retain current biosecurity capabilities and additional investments in biosecurity management to ensure SA maintained its clean and green reputation, and was able to capitalise on international trade opportunities.
The final point was implementation of industry consultation in planning policy development to ensure industry is able to continually innovate in sustainable fresh food production, and not be impeded by cumbersome regulation.
Ms Green said the coalition had put forward its blueprint ahead of the election to ensure politicians recognised and supported horticulture as an economic driver for the state.