The Horticulture Coalition of SA is hopeful the key points outlined in its Horticulture Blueprint released in December last year will be addressed by the new state government after the March election.
The top priorities outlined in the blueprint included investment into water, energy and transport infrastructure to help develop and unlock additional productivity opportunities in SA’s horticulture regions.
Government-imposed costs such as levies, fees and service delivery costs were also highlighted as issues that impacted on SA growers’ bottom line security.
Coalition president Susie Green said the blueprint’s themes of concern were consistent across the industry and underpinned all horticulture businesses.
“We have experienced a rising cost of business for the past two years that has applied continual pressure on margins and growers are not able to pass those costs on,” Ms Green said.
“Anything we can do to make SA a cost-competitive environment to nurture existing businesses is crucial but it is also a priority so new investment can be attracted,” she said.
“The blueprint was an important tool for us to clearly communicate with government what our priorities are and what we want the future direction of horticulture in SA to look like.”
According to Ms Green, horticulture contributes $3.1 billion to SA's economy, with almost $1b at the farmgate, but with electricity prices as the second-highest cost burden for growers and water security not far behind, productivity could be jeopardised if these costs are not reduced.
“Horticulture can have high energy needs because of large coolroom facilities and irrigation pumps. Any further increase of price load in this area would impact heavily on growers and a lot cannot afford that,” Ms Green said.
“Each region has its own challenges with water supply but overarching all of that is ensuring a sustainable water source is available.
“We want the new government to recognise the true value of horticulture in SA, not only to the economy but because it supplies safe, fresh produce to the community.”
Hort plan needed to grow industry
The Horticulture Blueprint was released last year by industry to help solve complex issues hindering its expansion, and opposition energy spokesperson Dan van Holst Pellekaan agrees solutions need to be found for the sector to thrive.
Mr van Holst Pellekaan said he hoped every region in SA had a horticulture plan for the future.
He said Sundrop Farms at Port Augusta was a great example of a region creating its own horticulture industry.
“If Port Augusta can successfully grow 10,000 tonnes of tomatoes per year, a horticulture industry could be established anywhere in SA,” he said.
“If affordable and reliable electricity, and a secure water source was provided, more regions could have a thriving horticulture industry.”
Mr Pellekaan believes growers also need extra support to be efficient with electricity and water usage.
Water Minister Mr Ian Hunter was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.
