R&D projects

Summerfruit Biosecurity Plan Review (SF25001)

This project will renew the national Summerfruit Biosecurity Plan to ensure the industry remains prepared for harmful exotic pests.

9 March 2026

• Ongoing project

Horticulture Trade Data 2026–2028 (MT25011)

This project is providing the Australian horticulture sector with high‑quality global trade intelligence.

9 March 2026

• Ongoing project

National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (PH25001)

This project supports the continuation of the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (NBPSP), a coordinated, risk-based initiative to detect exotic and regionally significant bee pests.

8 January 2026

Export Registration Portal – Summerfruit (SF25003)

This project will develop an online export registration portal to streamline the complex compliance requirements for summerfruit exports from Australia.

18 December 2025

Mid-term reviews for industry development and extension projects (MT25004)

This project will deliver independent, evidence-based mid-term evaluations of seven key industry development and extension projects across almonds, avocados, berries, cherries, summerfruit, and table grapes.

13 November 2025

• Extension projects

Multi-Industry MRL Data Access and Maintenance Investment (MT25002)

This project will deliver a centralised, cross-industry Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) app to support export compliance across 17 major horticultural commodities, including avocados, cherries, berries, mangoes, melons, apples, pears, and stone fruit.

10 October 2025

Consumer usage and attitude tracking 25/26 (MT24201)

This project is delivering a comprehensive consumer tracking program across the Australian horticulture sector.

18 June 2025

• Consumer and market research

Regulatory support and response co-ordination (pesticides) (MT24008)

The regulatory support and response coordination project aims to provide Australian horticultural industries support to navigate complex domestic and international pesticide regulations.

6 May 2025

• Minor use permits
• R&D

Determining harvest maturity for peaches and nectarines (SF23005)

This project is validating and increasing the utility and accuracy of the Rubens sensor – a non-destructive tool that is used to determine the harvest maturity and quality of peaches and nectarines.

10 December 2024

• Ongoing project
• Summerfruit Fund
• On-farm and crop management

Horticulture Impact Assessment Program 2023/24 to 2025/26 (MT24005)

Hort Innovation engages independent consultants to evaluate the impact of our R&D investments, providing insights into the type and magnitude of impacts that are being generated across the company’s strategic levy programs.

10 October 2024

• Ongoing project
• Potato – Processing Fund
• Potato – Fresh Fund
• Papaya Fund
• Almond Fund
• Apple and Pear Fund
• Avocado Fund
• Banana Fund
• Cherry Fund
• Citrus Fund
• Dried Grape Fund
• Lychee Fund
• Macadamia Fund
• Mango Fund
• Melon Fund
• Mushroom Fund
• Nursery Fund
• Olive Fund
• Onion Fund
• Passionfruit Fund
• Persimmon Fund
• Pistachio Fund
• Pineapple Fund
• Raspberry and Blackberry Fund
• Strawberry Fund
• Summerfruit Fund
• Sweetpotato Fund
• Table Grape Fund
• Turf Fund
• Vegetable Fund
• Blueberry Fund
• Industry data and insights