Background 

Utilising the various pieces of data that were available for the retail, wholesale, processor / manufacturer and export sectors at end September 2008, and from the expertise and opinions of  some major stakeholders in the industry, it was possible to analyse the various industry categories to negate any double counting and arrive at an ex farm-gate value. The result of the analysis concluded that the ex farm-gate value of the fresh culinary herb and spice industry in Australia for the 12 month period ending September, 2008 was approximately AUD113million. This report is a reference for Federal and State Government agencies, industry associations and participants involved in the production, processing and marketing of fresh culinary herbs in Australia. It provides the cornerstone for the possible development of a levy for the industry. The creation of an Industry contact database has been regarded as a key output for this project. Detailed information has been collated on approximately 360 industry stakeholders. It is estimated that these 360 stakeholders represent approximately 90% of the fresh culinary herb and spice industry in Australia.

This report is awaiting final publication by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and is expected to be available end of April 2009.