R&D projects

Generation of data – Rubus and strawberry mite efficacy and residue trials (MT25006)

This project aims to support the Australian rubus (raspberry, blackberry) and strawberry industries by generating the efficacy, crop safety, and residue data needed to expand chemical control options for two major mite pests: two spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae) and broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus).

20 November 2025

• Minor use permits

Mid-term reviews for industry development and extension projects (MT25004)

This project will deliver independent, evidence-based mid-term evaluations of seven key industry development and extension projects across almonds, avocados, berries, cherries, summerfruit, and table grapes.

13 November 2025

• Extension projects

Multi-Industry MRL Data Access and Maintenance Investment (MT25002)

This project will deliver a centralised, cross-industry Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) app to support export compliance across 17 major horticultural commodities, including avocados, cherries, berries, mangoes, melons, apples, pears, and stone fruit.

10 October 2025

Consumer usage and attitude tracking 25/26 (MT24201)

This project is delivering a comprehensive consumer tracking program across the Australian horticulture sector.

18 June 2025

• Consumer and market research

Improving management of chilli thrips in blueberry and Rubus (MT24009)

This project is focused on developing effective, sustainable strategies to manage chilli thrips, a serious pest affecting the blueberry and Rubus industries.

23 May 2025

Regulatory support and response co-ordination (pesticides) (MT24008)

The regulatory support and response coordination project aims to provide Australian horticultural industries support to navigate complex domestic and international pesticide regulations.

6 May 2025

• Minor use permits
• R&D

BerryQuest International 2025 (MT24004)

BerryQuest is the international biannual conference of the Australian berry industry, and this project provides levy-funded support for its delivery.

15 January 2025

• Ongoing project

Horticulture Impact Assessment Program 2023/24 to 2025/26 (MT24005)

Hort Innovation engages independent consultants to evaluate the impact of our R&D investments, providing insights into the type and magnitude of impacts that are being generated across the company’s strategic levy programs.

10 October 2024

• Ongoing project
• Potato – Processing Fund
• Potato – Fresh Fund
• Papaya Fund
• Almond Fund
• Apple and Pear Fund
• Avocado Fund
• Banana Fund
• Cherry Fund
• Citrus Fund
• Dried Grape Fund
• Lychee Fund
• Macadamia Fund
• Mango Fund
• Melon Fund
• Mushroom Fund
• Nursery Fund
• Olive Fund
• Onion Fund
• Passionfruit Fund
• Persimmon Fund
• Pistachio Fund
• Pineapple Fund
• Raspberry and Blackberry Fund
• Strawberry Fund
• Summerfruit Fund
• Sweetpotato Fund
• Table Grape Fund
• Turf Fund
• Vegetable Fund
• Blueberry Fund
• Industry data and insights

Rubus Industry – barriers to best practice across diverse communities (RB23003)

This project is identifying key barriers preventing the adoption of best practices in the raspberry and blackberry industries and recommending next steps to overcome these barriers, ensuring that the industry continues to grow efficiently and sustainably.

2 October 2024

• Ongoing project
• Raspberry and Blackberry Fund
• Industry data and insights
• Industry development and communication

Driving on-farm productivity with augmented technologies for fruit growers (AS23002)

This program is leveraging the latest augmented reality technology to drive on-farm productivity for berry and table grape growers.

2 October 2024

• Ongoing project
• Raspberry and Blackberry Fund
• Strawberry Fund
• Table Grape Fund
• Advanced Production Systems Fund
• Blueberry Fund
• Technology