Program Overview

Background and Long-Term Strategy

In 2009-10, the New Plant Products program will continue the development of a number of promising industries, including tropical and exotic fruits, herb and spice, seaweed, olive, truffle, stevia and native plant industries. The Program will also be commencing work that will assist the development of a number of promising new industries including seed sprouts and new tropical fruits as well as a number of industries of significance in the environment of climate-change and reduced water availability, including the Quinoa and date industries.

Key long-term strategies

To facilitate the development of a new rural industries based on plants or plant products that have commercial potential for Australia by investing in R&D:

• that have significant export or domestic market opportunities
• where Australian industry has a competitive advantage - for example in production, seasonality, or market access
• that will be attractive to producers to enter and expand the industry.