Research and Development in Australia and New Zealand

摘要

This final article in the series. The last two issues of Chronica Horticulturae have carried articles outlining how horticultural R & D is administered and supported in the two countries and providing examples of recent successful innovations arising from the research. The organisation of horticultural R&D in Australia is best described as a partnership between industry, government and research agencies - one that has proven very fruitful over the past decade or so. Since 1988 Federal Government support has been provided through matching any funds collected by industry for R&D, (up to 0.5 percent of the gross value of horticultural). This arrangement is managed by an industry-owned company, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), which also managesindustry promotion programs. HAL and its predecessor, the Horticultural R&D Corporation (HRDC), has taken care to establish R&D programs that reflect both industry and market place needs. This has resulted in both a steady increase by industry in R & Dinvestment and some significant research achievements. It is important to recognise some other investors in horticultural R&D in Australia. Research Agencies, notably the State Departments of Agriculture in each State and the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation) provide the bulk of technical expertise in horticulture and are co-investors with industry and the Federal government.