AU: Hortex Alliance leads campaign to quadruple Adelaide Plains farmer earning power
The Hortex Alliance says the horticulture industry has the potential to take over from the automotive industry as one of the region’s biggest employers once Holden’s Elizabeth plant closes in 2017.
Alliance executive officer Bryan Robertson said the not-for-profit organisation planned to play a pivotal role in boosting the farm gate value – or gross value of produce – of the northern food bowl, from $125 million to $500 million by 2019.
Mr Robertson said the potential of the region, which includes Angle Vale and Virginia, was identified in a University of Adelaide study.
“That is achievable if all the stars align and we believe they will,” Mr Robertson said.
“Horticulture has been identified as the area for development and most likely to pick up the greatest share of employment (once Holden closes).”
Mr Robertson said this did not mean Holden’s former staff would be “working in the fields” but rather working in the upper end of the chain, such as processing.
The 120-member group wanted to drive growth and create thousands of jobs in the horticulture industry by providing training, networking opportunities, information and representation for growers.
The alliance has approached Playford Council about potentially moving into the vacant Virginia Horticulture Centre on Old Port Wakefield Rd.
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