Vegetables
Vege-Might – Growing the Future.
Primarily focused in the Myalup area on the Swan Coastal Plain, local growers are leading the way in Western Australian vegetable production while embracing sustainable farming practices and supply chain efficiencies.
With minimal pest and disease pressures, the Harvey Region is an ideal spot to grow significant horticulture crops, including carrots, potatoes, onions, and broccoli.
The area temperate climate allows for produce lines to be supplied for 12 months of the year, and its easy trucking access to Perth markets and beyond makes it an attractive location for investors.
A Growth Industry – Literally
- Myalup on the South West Coastal Plain is one of two core vegetable-growing regions within Western Australia.
- The Mediterranean climate and wide diversity of soil types result in a huge selection of crops thriving in the area.
- The Harvey Region’s location provides growers with easy trucking access to Perth markets and beyond with two major highways.
- There are minimal pest and disease pressures, compared to other areas worldwide.
The Bottom Line
- The Harvey Region is a significant contributor to Western Australia’s horticulture industry, producing 20% of the total value of vegetables in the state.
- It is one of only five local government areas in Western Australia that produces more than $100 million worth of horticultural products.
- An estimated 2,762 hectares of land in the Harvey Region is used for horticulture, with 84% dedicated to vegetable production.
- The horticulture industry is a crucial contributor to Western Australia’s economy, adding $3.03 billion at the end-consumer level, with peak season creating an estimated 14,520 on-farm jobs.
- Vegetables make up a significant portion of Western Australia’s horticulture industry, with a value of $716 million in 2020, and carrots being the most valuable crop.
- The economic value of horticultural production from businesses located in the Harvey Region was $147.1 million in 2020.
Opportunities on Offer
- Investing in a vegetable farm or purchasing an existing farm to expand operations.
- Investing in a greenhouse operation to extend the growing season and improve crop yields.
- Investing in sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, to tap into the growing market for sustainable and locally sourced produce.
- Investing in infrastructure, such as dams, boreholes, or irrigation systems, to ensure a reliable and high-quality water supply for vegetable production.
- Investing in research and development to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and sustainability of the local vegetable industry.
- Investing in marketing and branding efforts to increase the demand and value of the Harvey Region’s vegetables.
- Investing in processing and packaging facilities to add value to the vegetables and increase their shelf life.
- Investing in logistics and transportation infrastructure to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of getting vegetables to the market.
- Investing in training and education programs to improve the skills and knowledge of local farmers and workers in the vegetable industry.
