Research projects

Table: Projects approved under the Horticulture Innovation Fund (Agriculture Victoria)

Project Title

Applicant

Develop an on-line GPS based data management module for seed potato certification

Victorian Seed Potato Certification Authority (AuSPICA)
The application of the UAV-borne hyperspectral crop disease detection in processing tomatoesAustralian Processing Tomato Research Council
Native vegetation insectariums in HorticultureAgribusiness Yarra Valley
Develop a Difference of Absorption (DA) Index for 5 major canned peach varietiesCanned Fruit Industry Council
The implementation of a local grid in the Cobram fruit growing area and QFF research on the habits of the pest during the winter months and how they can be better targeted during this periodCobram & District Fruit Growers Association
Trialling calcium carbonate spray at leaf fall to increase winter chill accumulation in cherries, apples and almondsInsense Pty Ltd
To develop and evaluate a rapid technique for the identification of the exotic Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP), the number 1 exotic threat to the Victorian potato industryPlant Biosecurity CRC
Establish Difference of Absorption (DA) meter protocols for the Goulburn Valley Apples, Pears and Stonefruit to better match fresh market expectationsIntegrity Fruit Pty Ltd
Trialling spray thinning for crop load management of fresh fruit market plumsAgropraisals Pty Ltd
Improving ATGA online export training and accreditation programAustralian Table Grapes Association
The development and testing of an approved building concrete product using vine waste from tomato industryAD & VR Henry
Enhancing growth and quality of vegetables with photo-luminescent plasticsMonash University
DA meter software development for the Horticulture supply chainSummerfruit Australia Ltd
Adaptation in the vineyard to a water limited futureAustralian Wine Research Institute
Innovative solutions to manage smoke risk in the Victorian wine industryAustralian Wine Research Institute
NGIV Develop weed control information package for management of nursery weeds

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV)

Development of mobile MRL electronic platform for Australian table grape growersAustralian Table Grapes Association
Prototype for fruit chain quality management technology

A.C.N. Orchards Pty Ltd

Establishment of a passive insect surveillance trapping system for the processing tomato and seed potato industryAuSPICA and APTRC
Spray thinning for crop load management of stonefruit - nectarines, peaches and plumsAgropraisals Pty Ltd
Improvement of soil water retention and aeration capacity using porous silica RMIT University
Adoption pathways of hydroponic blueberriesLean Nominees Pty Ltd T/A Tuckerberry Hill

Project background

The Victorian Government encouraged innovation and collaboration in the horticulture sector through a fund enabling research and development projects that help the sector remain profitable and sustainable into the future.

The Horticulture Innovation Fund (HIF) enabled industry to partner with research organisations on projects that use new technologies and techniques for improving overall economic performance. Through the HIF, the Victorian Government supported a horticulture sector that is innovative, collaborative and well informed.

Grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) have been awarded for applied research and development projects that contribute to a more productive and profitable horticulture sector. The program is now fully subscribed.

Projects eligible for assistance from the HIF included:

  • Applied horticultural research and development that is innovative and likely to improve farm performance, and/or
  • Research that will improve market access and business diversification activities as applied to the horticulture sector.

Other resources