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Council
Profile
Horticultural
House Staff
Association
Members
Profile
The Riverland Horticultural
Council (RHC) based at Horticulture House Berri is the peak growers' organisation
for all Riverland commodities. It consists of eight member organisation
representing wine grapes, citrus, almonds, stonefruit and vegetables.
The RHC was formed
in the mid 1980's from an expanded membership of the Riverland Growers
Liaison Forum. This organisation was formed in the 1970's to enable various
Riverland grower associations to meet together to address issues of a
common nature.
The RHC's first
task was to provide serviced offices for member organisations to ensure
efficient use of resources by exploiting all possible synergies. Horticulture
House was then established.
At present Riverland
Horticultural Council provides serviced offices and support to Riverland
Wine Grapegrowers Association, Citrus Growers of South Australia, Australian
Almond Growers Association and the South Australian Fresh Fruit Growers
Association. These organisations have their own executive officers and
industry development officers.
Over the past 10
years there has been many changes to the horsticultural industry within
the Riverland and with it seen numerous variances in types of primary
crops and their production methods.
The wine industry
is leading the way in this economic boom; the Riverland currently contributes
half of South Australia's wine grape production. $.250 mill was paid to
1250 Riverland grape growers farming 16,843 hectares in 2000.
Citrus exports to
the United States have grown from around 200,000 cartons in 1994 to in
excess of 1.5 million cartons each year for the last few years. Riverland
produces more than 90% of the states citrus.
The fresh stone fruit
industry has continued to develop, concentrating on lucrative niche and
export markets for high value product. It produces 90% of the State's
stonefruit and has potential for further growth especially with new export
opportunities.
The Riverland produces
90% of the State's almonds and is increasingly competing on a world stage.
With an expected 15% increase per annum over the next 5 years. The value
of production has more than doubled in the last 10 years providing an
annual $40 million return.
Apples, cherries,
olives are also grown on a large scale in the region. A number of Australia's
food and wine producers have significant operations based in the Riverland
such as Berri Limited, Yandilla Park Citrus, BRL Hardy and Almond Co adding
value to the areas produce. Recent investments include vegetables, vineyards,
olives and cherries. Company investment such as Banrock Station, Almond
Co, BP Fruits, Aust-Vin. Farm production of irrigated horticultural in
1992 contributed $230 million to the regions economy now this figure exceeds
$530 million.
The number of growers
in the Riverland is estimated to be 2500 growers.
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