Australian Horticulture Sector Hits Record A$18.4 Billion

Growth in international export markets and new trade agreements have pushed the value of the national horticulture sector higher.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wooden crate filled with gala apples and blueberries, representing Australian horticultural export success. — The Australian horticulture sector reached a record value of A$18.4 billion, driven by surging international demand and expanded market access. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Australia prioritize expanding international horticultural exports over increasing domestic vegetable consumption?

The Australian horticulture sector reached a total value of A$18.4 billion during the 2025/26 financial year. Fresh produce exports recorded a significant milestone of A$3.5 billion in 2024/25, marking a 13 per cent increase from the previous year.

Why it matters

The industry continues to benefit from strategic investments in biosecurity and market access, alongside technological advancements in protected cropping. These efforts aim to boost domestic consumption and maintain growth across 78 international markets.

The sector represents 19.7 per cent of total agricultural output by value, with exports growing 126 per cent over the last decade. Annual losses of produce total one million tons while the industry targets A$22 million in new blueberry exports to Vietnam.

The players

Hort Innovation

This is the member-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for the Australian horticulture sector.

The details

New biosecurity protocols have enabled Australian apples to enter China and blueberries to reach Vietnam. Meanwhile, automation trials in protected cropping are testing greenhouse pollination and spraying technologies to enhance crop productivity.

Fresh horticulture exports reached A$3.5 billion in 2024/25.
The horticulture sector value reached A$18.4 billion in 2025/26.
Horticulture exports are forecast at A$4.4 billion in 2026/27.

Culture Shift

The sector's export growth aligns with the broader Plus One Serve programme, which aims to increase domestic vegetable consumption by one serving per person daily. This shift reflects a wider movement toward improving food security and nutritional intake across the nation.

Consumers may see a greater variety of high-quality produce available as trade access expands to new international markets. The Plus One Serve programme also encourages residents to integrate additional vegetable servings into their daily dietary routines.

The takeaway

The sustained growth in horticulture highlights the increasing reliance on international trade to balance production capacity. Individuals can support this growth by opting for locally sourced produce as part of their daily grocery planning.