OPINION
Record exports, solid growth and the need to remain focused on productivity of Australia’s $18.4 billion horticulture sector
By Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation
Australian growers are some of the most resilient people in our country. We say this all the time and see it firsthand every day. Despite challenges such as labour shortages and rising costs, they come to work and produce some of the freshest and safest produce in the world. This rings true in the latest Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook released today.
It tells a story of rebuilding, resilience and record‑breaking performance across much of Australian horticulture.
The Handbook shows 2024/25, Australian Horticulture reached its highest production value ever recorded at $18.4 billion, with fresh horticulture exports climbing to $3.5 billion. These are more than just big numbers on a page. They reflect the grit of growers who have weathered complex conditions, not just to feed Australia, but also reach international consumers with an appetite for Australian grown.
Across fruit, vegetables and nuts, we saw record values, stronger farmgate returns and improved market conditions. Almonds, avocados, table grapes, nursery, potatoes, citrus, parsley and other herbs, melons, and tomatoes all contributed to a broader uplift.
Exports surged on the back of stronger trade relationships, market access, improved seasonal conditions and a renewed appetite for high‑quality Australian produce from Asia and beyond. Record export results for almonds, oranges, pistachios, and watermelons demonstrate what is possible when growers, exporters and the broader industry work in partnership to elevate quality, consistency and market access.
Growing the industry the right way
Last year, I wrote about why growing horticulture to $21 billion by 2030 is essential - not as a numeric milestone but as a pathway to stronger profitability, greater market resilience and more sustainable farm businesses.
The data released this year reinforces that message.
We are not chasing growth for headlines. We are pursuing growth because:
More profitable growers are better able to reinvest in their businesses.
More diverse and resilient export markets protect growers from volatility.
More sustainable production systems steward resources for the long term.
More connected supply chains open doors to opportunity.
More informed decisions, powered by robust data, reduce risk.
More profitable growers are better able to reinvest in their businesses.
More diverse and resilient export markets protect growers from volatility.
More sustainable production systems steward resources for the long term.
More connected supply chains open doors to opportunity.
More informed decisions, powered by robust data, reduce risk.
Relationships, consistency remain one of our greatest assets
One of the standout messages from this year’s export results is the importance of relationships. Our strongest export gains came from markets where long‑term partnerships have been nurtured, where trust has been built, and where Australian products are not just welcomed but sought after. This is a reminder that growing exports is about people as much as it is about produce.
Through programs focused on market development, capability building, and industry‑to‑industry connections, Hort Innovation will continue supporting the relationships that allow Australian growers to succeed on the global stage.
A moment to acknowledge - and a moment to act
The chapters within the Handbook do give something to feel positive about. But they also offer clarity and some signals about where to next. To build on where we are now the opportunity is to keep:
Investing in innovation that boosts yields, reduces costs and strengthens sustainability;
Expanding market access and deepening trade relationships and understanding consumers;
Supporting growers through evidence‑based decision‑making tools;
Building the workforce and skills the future demands;
Promoting the role of horticulture in healthy lifestyles, and
Protecting our biosecurity advantage.
If we stay focused on grower profitability, the consumer and industry sustainability - and continue to invest strategically - Australian horticulture will be positioned not only to reach that $21‑billion horizon, but to do so with confidence.
At Hort innovation our purpose remains clear: To grow the industry not for the sake of growth, but for the prosperity, sustainability and long‑term future of Australian growers.
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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