The SIP is the roadmap that helps to guide investment of the nursery industry levy, which is managed by Horticulture Innovation Australia. In 2015/16 the levy collected from container sales was $2,288,718, with 60% going into R&D (with Australian Government funds) and 40% into marketing programs.
There are five key outcomes put forward in the draft SIP:
- Demand and sales of green life products to increase by 4% per annum plus CPI
- Industry knowledge increased to enhance marketing efficiency/better business decisions/targeted marketing programs.
- Australian nursery industry assets protected from exotic, emerging and endemic pests and disease
- Improved productivity, profitability and professionalism through the creation and adoption of innovation and industry best practices
- Better career development.
“The plan is for industry, by industry. Over the past few months, we’ve been listening to the views of growers and industry representatives across the country including through direct consultation, a national workshop, and an online survey,” Mr Lloyd said.
“This input has been fed into the development of the draft plan, and now is the time to ensure the document reflects the industry’s vision for the next five years, to 2021.”
“The nursery industry plays a vital role in the health, economic, environmental and well-being of all Australians.”
“The aim of this plan is to build on that, increasing profitability for the industry by putting the benefits of plants front and centre of the community’s mind.”
“At the same time, it’s essential to protect the industry from both endemic and emerging pests and diseases, by ensuring there are strong biosecurity protocols in place at our borders and within individual businesses.”
“We also need to encourage more growers to adopt the research coming out of their levy investment, to innovate and change management practices to increase their efficiency and sustainability.”
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) Chief Executive Peter Vaughan said the SIP provided a roadmap to help strengthen the market position of the nursery industry for the next twenty years.”
“As the nation’s peak nursery body, NGIA has been involved in the development of the strategy from day one, so as to ensure the SIP captures the practical realities of Australian nursery production,” Mr Vaughan said.
“We encourage all levy payers to review the draft SIP, and welcome feedback on the core themes to ensure these address key R&D and marketing issues, ahead of the final plan being released later this year.”
The draft Nursery Industry Strategic Investment Plan 2017–2021 is available for download at www.horticulture.com.au/nursery and feedback can be provided through the same page. The public comment period closes on Friday, 10 March 2017.
The development of the SIP has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the research and development nursery levy and funds from the Australian Government.
For more information:
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia
Kobie Keenan
(02) 8861 5100
info@ngia.com.au
www.ngia.com.au
For more information
Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd
Level 8, 1 Chifley Square NSW 2000 Australia
T: 61 2 8295 2300
F: 61 2 8295 2399