GROWER PROFILE
Q&A with Harvest Moon’s Mark Kable
Mark Kable is Managing Director of Harvest Moon, one of Australia’s leading fresh produce companies. We caught up with Mark to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the vegetable industry, and why export, innovation and continued investment in research and development are critical to the sector’s future.
A long‑term, high‑value market built on trust
Harvest Moon is a vegetable grower and packer with operations across four states, but our headquarters and where we grow the lion’s share of our produce is here on Tasmania’s northwest coast.
I’ve been here for 36 years. I originally came down in 1990 to work a summer and was convinced to stay on for a few months. I never left. It’s been a long and rewarding journey, and I feel lucky to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world. I’ve raised four kids here, and they’re all keen to come back into the industry, which makes the future pretty exciting.
What keeps you in the horticulture industry?
I love growing things. It’s such a vibrant, ever‑changing industry - one day you’re growing beetroot, the next it’s cauliflower, carrots or beans.
I get a real buzz out of growing crops and feeding the nation, and the world. That’s what gets me up early every morning. We’re also very lucky here on the northwest coast. The maritime climate is gentle, which is ideal for cool climate‑ vegetables. We can grow most things, from onions and broccoli to carrots, beans and even avocados.
How long have you been working with Hort Innovation, and why?
We’ve been working alongside Hort Innovation for as long as I can remember - probably 20 to 30 years. Research is absolutely critical to what we do.
Every year we have to be better: stronger yields, stripping costs out and becoming more efficient. Research underpins all of that. It’s not easy, particularly when you’re managing 10 or 12 different crops, but without ongoing R&D, our industry simply can’t move forward.
Where have you seen the biggest impact from that research and industry collaboration?
It’s broad, but export is a big one. Our export business is booming, and a lot of that comes from the work Hort Innovation and AUSVEG have done through reverse trade missions and gaining market access.
Those programs connect growers with buyers, introduce us to new markets, and get everyone working in the same direction. We’ve also seen strong benefits from research in technology, particularly in spraying and interrow systems. Better ‑weed targeting has made a big difference for our business‑.
Export is clearly important for Harvest Moon. Why?
Export has always been part of our DNA. Around 25 per cent of our turnover now comes from export, and it continues to grow year on year.
Australia produces more food than we can consume domestically. In good seasons, we can feed up to 45 or 50 million people, but there are only around 27 million of us here. Something has to give, and export plays a critical role.
It’s a tough gig, long delays, shipping challenges and constant pressure, but it’s essential, and we’re investing heavily in that part of the business.
“Every year we have to be better - stronger yields, stripping costs out and becoming more efficient. Research underpins all of that. It’s not easy, particularly when you’re managing 10 or 12 different crops, but without ongoing R&D, our industry simply can’t move forward.””
Mark Kable, CEO Harvest Moon
How does diversification support your export strategy?
Diversification is one of our strengths. We grow a wide range of products and supply multiple markets across Southeast Asia and beyond. That allows us to operate as a one stop shop for many customers, which they really value.
It also helps manage risk. When the domestic market is oversupplied, having diverse products and export channels helps relieve pressure locally and maintain business stability.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’re facing on farm right now?
Weed control is a major challenge. We’re seeing increased resistance, and traditional methods just aren’t cutting it anymore.
That’s where research and technology are making a real difference. Green on green spraying technology and advanced mechanisation systems are genuine game‑changers, and we’ve already invested in some of that technology, like the Ecorobotix Ara Sprayer. Programs like the AUSVEG and Hort Innovation funded vegetable mechanisation program have been invaluable in helping us understand the benefits before adoption.
How are you responding to changing consumer trends and product innovation?
We were watching the healthy snacking trend grow year on year and, at the same time, struggling to differentiate in conventional carrots. It felt like a race to the bottom.
We were looking for something unique and came across a variety at a field day in the Netherlands. It took years of trialling, but eventually we got it to work. It’s a fully mature carrot at just 10 centimetres long, with great eating quality, crunch and flavour. It’s our own IP and fits perfectly within a growing snacking category.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for the industry?
Export is still a huge opportunity for Harvest Moon, so we’re pushing hard in that. We’re also working really hard on our own IP within the business. We’re very proud of our snackable carrot range and there’s great opportunity in products like that.
Within the Australian domestic market, it’s been a bit of a tough slog the last few years, but there’s still opportunities there. Luckily, our retailers are working with us very closely. So, it’s just about reducing our input costs, and it’s about quality.
At Hort Innovation, everything we do is built on our vision to create a prosperous and sustainable Australian horticulture industry built on innovation.
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