Summary

This is an industry capacity building project involving the development of a new national culinary herb and spice industry (R&D only) levy proposition undertaken in accordance with the Australian Government’s Levy Principles and Guidelines that require a broad industry consultation to be undertaken on the levy proposal, culminating in a formal submission to DAFF via RIRDC. The objective is to have the new levy arrangements in place on or before 1 July 2011.
It is proposed that McFarlane Strategic Services be retained to undertake this project.

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

McFarlane Strategic Services

Objective Summary

The Australian Herb & Spice Industry Stocktake (G.R. Weir January 2009) draft report identifies the major R&D priorities for the industry as:
•Registration of chemicals (Specialty Crops – Minor Use Permits – APVMA)
•Govt. regulation of hydroponic & organic growers
•Plant requirements (fertilizers)
•Plant breeding for pest & disease resistance / tolerance, yield, flavour & colour
•Plant breeding for a range of climatic conditions
•Seed quality & availability
•Integrated Pest Management
•Crop protectant label registrations
•Extension of shelf life (Fresh)
•Widening of the growing areas which are currently limited hence leading to insurance of 12 months’ supply (processor)
•Increased shelf life
•Better packaging
•Better specialised storage
•Developing awareness of fresh herbs to the general public
•Marketing on selected lines
•Develop point of sale material
•Chemical registration & MRL’s (SQF accreditation)
•Insects, lack of registered chemicals
•Shelf life, packaging and cold storage
•Developing herb awareness to the general public
•Widening of the growing areas which are currently limited hence leading to insurance of year round supply
•New varieties with improved yields, colour and flavour
•Seed quality and availability
•Reliable refrigerated transport network
•Correct chemical usage
•Organic – a Government registration should be required
•Individual nutrition requirements
•Plant breeding to improve pest and disease resistance
•Pest and disease options e.g. Integrated Pest Management, crop protectant label registrations and APVMA permits
•To develop new varieties with improved performance across a broad range of climatic conditions
This research project aims to industry build capacity to undertake a sustained investment in identified priority industry development programs.