DPIRD releases its Situation Analysis of Horticulture in WA report

WA Horticulture can no longer be underestimated with the report highlighting its economic and employment benefits to the regions of WA.

Based on 2020 data collection, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released a snapshot of the contribution horticulture makes to the Western Australian economy.  The annual wholesale value of the State’s horticulture production in 2020 was $1.49 billion, which increased to $3.03 billion once it reached the end consumer in WA and point of export - significant by anyone's standards particularly in the pandemic period.

DPIRD research scientist and report co-author Manju Radhakrishnan said the publication was the first to provide a detailed breakdown of the area, value and volume of horticulture production in the State and across different regions. “Horticulture is an intensive, high value production system, generating significant economic and employment benefits to the regions,” Mrs Radhakrishnan said. “The sector has seen significant growth to meet export and domestic demand. The snapshot draws information from a number of sources and provides a consolidated overview of the value of horticulture which has often been undervalued by organisations collecting data.” 

Horticulture in WA is heavily consolidated with the top 10 fruit industries comprising almost 90% of the value. 

Some fast facts for Pome fruit: 

  • apples are No 4 in the top 10 list of fruit industries behind avocadoes, grapes, olives  

  • Manjimup Shire was identified as top apple producing region representing with 61% of apple production

  • pears are the biggest horticultural crop in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup representing 42% of the local horticulture production followed by apples at 28%

  • apple exports are growing, with the ongoing success ANABP 01 variety in Asia - set to escalate in the future with increased production predicted.

Nardia Stacy