The value of Western Australia’s horticulture industry is on a growth trajectory, driving communities and regional economic development.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD’s) Value of Horticulture from Western Australia 2023-24 publication concludes the real value of the State’s horticulture sector grew by 9.6 per cent in the three and a half years since 2020.

The comprehensive report captures production and export trends in fruit, vegetable, wine and amenity horticulture, such as flowers nurseries and turf. The data is used to help industry, government and community plan for the future and secure a steady supply of diverse, affordable and sustainably grown fresh food.

In 2023-24, WA’s horticulture production was valued at $1.92 billion, comprised of fresh fruit, nuts, vegetables and amenity horticulture – up 9.6 per cent on 2020 levels after accounting for inflation. Avocados continue to have the largest share of the State’s fruit production, with a wholesale value of $290 million, followed by wine grapes, worth $103 million, strawberries $90 million, table grapes $67 million and apples $64 million.

Ware or fresh potatoes led WA’s vegetable production, worth $136 million, followed by carrots $82 million, cucumbers $61 million, melons $55 million and tomatoes $50 million.

Most of WA’s horticulture produce is consumed locally – reducing reliance on imports, which declined by 8 per cent between 2020 and 2023-24.

The value of WA fruit and vegetables exports climbed to $187 million in 2023-24, led by vegetables worth $96 million, fruit $91 million, wine $35 million and amenity horticulture, mainly cut flowers, worth $3 million.

Most notably, avocado exports increased 646 per cent between 2020 and 2023-24, worth $36 million, followed by apples up 157 per cent to $1 million, while strawberry exports increased 12 per cent, valued at $26 million.

Carrots are still WA’s biggest vegetable export, worth $61 million, while demand grew 18 per cent for onions to $9 million, truffles grew 69 per cent to $8 million, ware or fresh potatoes $6 million, as overseas seed potato sales grew by 29 per cent to $5 million.

Report co-author, DPIRD senior economist Manju Radhakrishnan said while the value and performance of individual fresh produce had fluctuated in the past three years, there had been general growth in WA’s horticulture sector.

“Strong gains in fruit and amenity horticulture have been offset by slight declines in the value of vegetables and nuts – reinforcing the sector’s overall contribution to the State economy,” she said.

“The data shows a gradual trend towards export growth in high value crops, like avocados, grapes and strawberries.

“Fruit industry growth is supported by improved product quality and rising demand for premium produce in both domestic and overseas markets.

“This report demonstrates the horticulture industry’s valuable contribution to strengthening food security, driving regional economic development, while supporting health communities and showcasing our premium produce to the world.”

Future industry challenges and opportunities were discussed at DPIRD’s recent Western Australian Horticulture Updates 2025, attended by more than 200 horticulture growers and industry leaders from across the State.

The biennial event included panel discussions addressing the theme ‘Growing WA – fresh food, sustainable futures’ and presentations on DPIRD research collaborations.

The ‘Value of horticulture industries in WA 2023-24’ report is available on the DPIRD website.

Value of horticulture to WA economy captured in new report