Vegetable growers across the country are ramping up efforts to extend the shelf life of their fresh produce, reduce waste, and improve profitability by testing real-world postharvest solutions across Australian supply chains.

Hort Innovation has partnered with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to improve how vegetables are handled after harvest, which is a critical factor in maintaining quality and meeting market demands.

Many vegetables are highly perishable, and growers often have limited control once produce leaves the farm. Supply chain delays, mixed loads and variable handling conditions can all reduce quality and shelf life, leading to losses and missed market opportunities.  

This project will test a range of emerging and commercially available technologies, including packaging, coatings, modified atmospheres, monitoring systems and temperature management practices, to identify what works best in commercial supply chain conditions.

“Growers are already producing high-quality vegetables, but maintaining that quality through the supply chain can be a significant challenge,” said Dr Anthony Kachenko, General Manager Production & Sustainability R&D at Hort Innovation.

“This work focuses on testing solutions in commercial supply chains, so growers can be confident the results apply to their business,” added Dr Jose Roberto Marques, Project Leader at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

“We’re combining scientific testing with industry engagement to deliver practical outcomes.”  

The process

The research will take place in three stages. It will first identify priority crops and promising solutions, then monitor supply chains to understand where high quality can be extended and finally trial selected interventions in commercial settings.  

Growers will also benefit from practical outputs, including decision-making tools and guidance materials to help them assess the cost and benefits of adopting new technologies.  

The project will engage growers, exporters, transporters and retailers across Australia, ensuring solutions are relevant and practical across different regions and supply chains.

Key areas to be assessed include:

• Packaging and atmosphere management options.
• Temperature and humidity control.
• Ethylene management technologies.
• Monitoring systems across transport and storage.

Coatings and sanitation practices. By improving shelf life and product consistency, the project is expected to help growers raise gains, increase market access and build confidence in both domestic and export supply chains.