Horticulture

Horticulture and agricultural production

We help grow South Australia's horticulture and agricultural industries.

We work with businesses and the community to promote the future of our environmentally clean, safe and advanced agricultural production. We seek new opportunities for industry development in South Australia.

What you need to know

About horticulture

South Australia is a major producer of premium vegetables, fruits and nuts. Our Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and water resources support varied horticulture crops. Tomatoes, potatoes, almonds and citrus are our largest outputs.

In 2022–23 our horticulture industry generated $1.17 billion in farmgate revenue for South Australia.

We are recognised for environmentally clean agricultural production due to our advances in crop sciences.

Our horticulture regions

SA's horticultural regions are localised around available water, where the climate and soils best suit each commodity.

The cool climate produces:

  • apples
  • pears
  • cherries
  • strawberries.

The warmer climate produces:

  • citrus
  • stone fruit
  • almonds.

The fertile soils and access to water suit intensive vegetable production.

The region is known for:

  • vegetable seeds
  • onions
  • processing potatoes.

The sandy soils produce:

  • fresh potatoes
  • onions
  • carrots.
Adelaide Hills

The cool climate produces:

  • apples
  • pears
  • cherries
  • strawberries.
Riverland

The warmer climate produces:

  • citrus
  • stone fruit
  • almonds.
Northern Adelaide Plains

The fertile soils and access to water suit intensive vegetable production.

Limestone Coast

The region is known for:

  • vegetable seeds
  • onions
  • processing potatoes.
Mallee

The sandy soils produce:

  • fresh potatoes
  • onions
  • carrots.

Food safety legislation

Legislation sets out the safety requirements for food growers, packers and processors:

Exotic Plant Pest Hotline

Suspected plant diseases, exotic pests, or noxious weeds must be reported immediately.

Call us if you find plant pests or diseases that could be a national threat, even if you are unsure. This can be done anonymously.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Freecall 1800 084 881

Fruit Fly Hotline

Call to report suspected fruit fly in your area, or to ask questions about fruit fly in South Australia.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Freecall 1300 666 010

Contact us

Industry development and industry fund

Tamara Rohrlach – Senior Industry Adviser

tamara.rohrlach@sa.gov.au
Page last reviewed: 15 Feb 2024

 


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