The Asian vegetables industry in the Northern Territory has shown dynamic growth –expanding from 30 growers producing around $2.5 million in 1995 to over 60 growers producing an estimated $12 million in farm gate value in 2005.

Supplying the markets of Australia’s southern states involves a very long and complex supply chain, Federal Member for Solomon Mr David Tollner MP said today.
Mr Tollner was launching ‘Winter’ Asian Vegetables from the Top End – supply chain guidelines, a new report from the Australian Government’s Rural Industries
Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).

“The Asian vegetables industry in the Territory is growing at a rate of some 15% per annum due largely to strong market demand for Asian vegetables from southern States.

“At such a rate, Asian vegetable quality and efficiencies of supply chains become important to further industry growth,” he said.
While the NT industry has been able to maintain the supply of Asian vegetables to keep pace with this growth of demand, the potential for further quality improvements is recognised in the industry.

“Research from RIRDC such as this has played an important part in the industry’s growth, and contribution that the industry makes to our economy,” Mr Tollner said.

The report sets out  technical guidelines for the optimal handling and management practices for the distribution of Asian vegetables from the NT to southern States of Australia, for growers, packers, consolidators, transporters and wholesalers in the supply chains.
RIRDC Managing Director Dr Peter O’Brien said that the Corporation has a focus on investing in research that leads to greater productivity, profitability and sustainability for Australia’s rural industries and communities.

“RIRDC’s R&D investments in the Northern Territory cover a range of new industries like Asian vegetables, crocodile and turtle farming, tropical fruits, farm forestry and buffalo farming,” Dr O’Brien said.

“We also invest in developing leadership and improving skills for rural communities, and a number of Territorians have benefited from programs like the RIRDC Rural Women’s Awards and the Science & Innovation Awards for Young People,” he said.

Ends
Media enquiries:
RIRDC   Martin Field 02 6272 4735 / 0418 430 760
Mr Tollner’s office:  Peter Osborne 08 89813434 / 0401 119 789