BUSINESS R&D project

to tackle defects and boost grower profitability

A major new research initiative funded by Hort Innovation is set to help Australian carrot growers improve profitability by increasing the packout rate of high-quality carrots that meet market specifications.

Words Tom McCue, R&D Manager, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited

LED by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the “Maximising Carrot Packout” project is a three-year, Australia-wide collaboration with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI). The project will focus on reducing product defects and waste across key carrot-growing regions in Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania.

Carrots are a key horticultural crop in Australia, grown in all states with a farm gate production value of $262 million and an export value of $82 million.

Renowned for their quality and consistency, Australian-grown carrots play a significant role in both domestic and international markets.

Addressing regional and seasonal challenges

Despite this strong market presence, variability in packout rates — driven by physiological defects, size grading, and post-harvest losses — can significantly impact grower profitability. Common defects vary by region and season, particularly during transitions between hot and cold weather.

This investment presents a clear opportunity to improve yield efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance the competitiveness of Australian carrot production globally.

A strategic, grower-led approach

The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to consolidate existing knowledge, assess the extent and economic impact of carrot defects, and identify gaps. It will explore environmental and physiological causes, post-harvest handling, and best agronomic practices — including harvest timing, variety selection, crop maturity, washing, and storage.

Where further research is needed, targeted R&D trials will be conducted. Where solutions already exist, findings will be translated into practical extension packages and grower-friendly resources.

Project stages

• Stage 1 | Industry engagement through grower interviews, crop monitoring, and a national workshop to develop a “Carrot R&D Plan.”

• Stage 2 | Targeted research into production, disease, and post-harvest causes of defects:

– DPIRD will lead crop production investigations.

– SARDI will focus on disease-related issues.

– QDPI will explore post-harvest handling. An economist will assess the financial benefits of improved practices.

• Stage 3 | Development of an extension program including grower demonstrations, webinars, videos, publications, and direct engagement with industry bodies.

Industry-led and regionally relevant

By engaging growers across multiple production regions, the project ensures that research and extension activities are tailored to region-specific challenges. Industry guidance will be central to shaping research priorities, ensuring relevance and adoption of outcomes.

The project aims to deliver practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented across diverse production systems — reinforcing Australia’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality carrots in both domestic and export markets.