The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the new $9 million state-of-the-art Centre for Australian Horticultural Market Access (CAHMA) in Ourimbah on the State's Central Coast designed to strengthen the Government's primary industries research capabilities.
The work comes on top of some $60 million invested by the Minns Government in modernising the State's R&D capacity.
The new centre is an essential hub for research and development and will help develop major projects designed to strengthen the State's $3.5 billion horticulture sector which includes exports valued at $432 million in 2024-25.
It includes state-of-the-art DNA-based tools to quickly identify foodborne germs, increased laboratory capacity to support food safety R&D programs and sorting technology to detect quarantine pests and diseases and improve fruit quality.
The Centre will help protect and grow NSW regional industries and markets across key horticultural industries including citrus, berries, avocados, melons and vegetables.
It will also enhance capacity to support supply chain efficiencies, fruit quality and food safety.
The installation of new state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment includes:
- Technology to detect quarantine pests and diseases and improve fruit quality and to reduce chemical use and improve sustainability of NSW horticultural exports
- High pressure washing facility to remove surface pests and contaminants
- Advanced controlled-atmosphere technologies and fumigation equipment to improve market access outcomes
- Upgraded and new cool rooms and fumigation facilities to scale-up research to semi-commercial equivalence
- A new biosafety level 2 laboratory for containment of human pathogens with automated diagnostic workflows enhancing food safety surveillance
The $9 million project was funded from the World Class Food and Fibre Stage 2 Program from the Restart NSW Fund and was completed in July 2025.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:
"For more than 130 years, NSW Government research has helped the sustainable growth of our agriculture farming, fisheries and forestry industries.
"We are investing in research infrastructure and activities to drive industry growth, the sustainable development of our natural resources, and to support innovation so that industry can manage the risks and take advantage of opportunities for the next century.
"Market access and fruit quality remain a crucial issue for the horticulture industry to continue to grow and maintain markets.
"This facility will be an essential hub for research and development to support projects critical to building domestic and export markets for NSW's and Australia's horticultural produce."
Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:
"The opening of this state-of-the-art research facility is a major boost for our community and will help build a better future for our region by further enhancing our renown as a food producing, manufacturing and R&D hub.
"It strengthens our local fruit and vegetable producers to grow their businesses and grow jobs, and ensures the Central Coast continues to get its fair share of investment in
Local State MP for The Entrance, David Mehan said:
"This new landmark Centre, is a huge win for our region, strengthening our horticulture sector, and ensuring local growers have access to world-class science, right here, in their very own backyard.
"NSW produces some of the best fresh produce in the world, and this centre will help our local growers, continue to deliver that on the world stage."
NSW DPIRD Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity Rachel Connell said:
"The new Centre for Australian Horticultural Market Access will allow NSW DPIRD researchers greater capacity to contribute to the increased productivity, profitability and sustainability of the NSW horticulture sector.
"The facility will allow NSW DPIRD research scientists to expand on the important work of maintaining and improving market access and ensuring fruit and vegetables are at their optimal quality and safe for domestic and export markets."
