Doubling the value and impact of certified organic horticulture production in Australia by 2035 is the goal of a new sector roadmap developed by Southern Cross University.
Released today, the Australian Organic Horticulture: Research, Development and Innovation Strategy 2026–2035 targets certified organic horticulture production as a high-growth segment of the organic industry, which contributes an estimated $2.6 billion to the economy.
For the first time, the entire organic sector came together to co-design a national research strategy supported by all four national certification bodies: Australian Certification Ltd, Bio-Dynamic Research Institute, Organic Food Chain, and Southern Cross Certified.
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/news/images/2026/Cover-of-Aust-Organic-Horticulture-RD-and-I-Strategy-2026-2035.jpg)
Southern Cross University, in partnership with Australian Organic Limited (AOL) and the four organic certification bodies, secured a national Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) grant co-funded through the Hort Innovation Frontiers program last year to deliver the first-ever Organic Horticulture RD&I Strategy for Australia.
The strategy is the result a 11-month national conversation with industry to capture an understanding of what matters most to growers, extension and supply chain stakeholders, and retailers when it comes to prioritising RD&I investment in certified organic horticulture in Australia.
"Organic horticulture has a critical role to play in the future of Australian agriculture through delivering healthy soils, robust biodiversity, resilient farming systems and high-value products that meet growing consumer demand both here and overseas," said Australian Organic Limited CEO Jackie Brian.
"This strategy creates a practical roadmap for industry, research and government to work together to unlock the sector's potential."
Professor Terry Rose led the project for Southern Cross University.
"Southern Cross University is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the project partners and lead the process of coordinating the development of the strategy.
"We were impressed by the level of engagement during the consultation process. The insights helped us identify key RD&I gaps that can guide industry investment to drive innovation and commercial growth over the coming decade."
The strategy focuses RD&I investment across 36 initiatives drawn from consultation and analysis, organised around three industry priority areas:
- building the evidence base for the Organic Value Proposition;
- Cooperative Innovation through a national knowledge-sharing platform, workforce capability and contributing to streamlined compliance; and
- Embracing Technologies spanning biological inputs, organic-compatible biosecurity, and digital traceability.
Together, these priorities aim to address persistent retail supply shortages across categories such as berries, avocados and fresh vegetables; expand export opportunities into Asia and the Middle East; accelerate the transition to lower-input farming systems and demonstrate the contribution of certified organic production in a productive and resilient horticulture industry.
Specific initiatives include nutritional and residue-profiling studies, biological pest control research, a national database of organic-compliant biological products, and a knowledge platform to ease grower entry and transition, improve research access and reduce compliance costs.
Certified organic horticulture has an important role to play in future food security. By building supply chain resilience through increased supply chain diversity, reduced input dependency and maintaining long-term landscape productivity, certified organic producers are well positioned to contribute to the National Food Security Strategy.
The launch of the strategy marks a significant opportunity for government, investors and the supply chain to get behind certified organic horticulture, through co-investment in research and improved export access and government procurement pathways for certified organic produce.
Next steps
The project team recommended the establishment of an independent, industry-led Organic Horticulture RD&I Working Group to attract resources to translate the strategy into funded, actionable research and innovation.
Applications from all parts of the supply chain, from growers and producers to auditors and retailers, are encouraged. Submissions close 30 June 2026.
Go to the Australian Organic website to download:
- Australian Organic Horticulture: Research, Development and Innovation Strategy 2026–2035
- Working Group Expression of Interest form
More about Harvest to Health
Southern Cross University's Harvest to Health Research Cluster conducts fundamental and applied research to enhance the sustainable production of functional foods and natural products to assess their potential to optimise human health and reduce the risk of disease.
Its research contributes to better health for natural resources, people and communities, adding value for producers and consumers.
