- Inaugural WA Horticulture Science Forum in Bunbury for National Science Week
- Forum to identify new research opportunities across WA’s horticulture supply chain
- Cook Labor Government backing science and innovation to support a productive, sustainable, and resilient horticulture industry
This week the Cook Labor Government brought together some of Western Australia’s leading agricultural researchers and industry representatives to help shape the future of the State’s horticulture industry.
Held in Bunbury on Tuesday as part of National Science Week, the inaugural Western Australian Horticulture Science Forum identified research opportunities to support growers, strengthen food production, and build a more productive and resilient horticulture industry.
The forum brought together researchers from government, universities, and industry to showcase current projects, share ideas, and identify opportunities for greater collaboration across WA’s diverse horticulture sector.
The event was hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration, which includes DPIRD, CSIRO, Grower Group Alliance, Curtin University, Murdoch University, and The University of Western Australia.
Forum participants showcased current projects, exchanged ideas, and identified challenges, gaps, and opportunities to strengthen WA’s horticultural research efforts.
Panel discussions explored how growers and the supply chain can capitalise on scientific advances to improve business operations and supplies of high-quality, nutritious fruit and vegetables to consumers.
The forum builds on the Cook Labor Government’s ongoing investment in horticultural research and development, including recent upgrades to the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute.
New cold storage technology and agtech at the Manjimup facility are supporting research to improve fruit quality, production efficiencies, and climate resilience.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“Bringing researchers and industry together ensures our research is focused on the challenges and opportunities that matter most to growers.
“We want to see research translated into practical solutions that can help horticulture businesses improve productivity and capture new market opportunities.
“The Cook Labor Government will continue to invest in research, technology, and collaboration to help futureproof WA’s horticulture industry.”
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
“WA’s horticulture industry is an important part of our is vast and diverse regions, from tropical production in the north to temperate production in the south.
“This forum will help government, academia, and industry to coordinate and target science investments that generate benefits throughout the supply chain and support WA’s horticulture industry to remain internationally competitive.”
