Industry: Asparagus
Gross value of production |
$0.015m |
Number of growers |
4 |
Number employed |
1 |
Seasonal Employment |
25 |
Current annual production |
5 tonnes |
Projected 5 year annual production |
150 tonnes |
Hectares |
20 |
1. Description of Product:
Fresh asparagus for domestic consumption.
2. Location of the Industry:
There are four growers in the Ovens and Kiewa Valleys. Asparagus is being grown in addition to other farm activities. These growers are loosely coordinated as North East Asparagus Growers.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements:
a. Number of Producers:
4
b. Number Regularly Employed:
On basis of seasonal nature of this crop, it is estimated 1 person required to maintain 20 hectares.
c. Harvest Requirements
At this stage of crop maturity approximately 20-25 people are required for 3 months at harvesting (September - December).
4. Annual Production:
In the 1995 season 5 tonnes of Asparagus was produced from 50 acres.
5. Value of Product:
Asparagus from 1995 season sold for $3/kg, and given production of 5000 kg, the gross value of production to the growers was $15,000. However, given projected production figures, the value of the industry when current acreage reaches maturity in 1998 based on 1995 prices will be $450,000.
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
This crop is in the second year of production and will reach maturity in its fifth season. ie. the 20 hectares currently in production will produce 150 tonnes.
Expansion in the industry will depend on the development of cool store facilities.
b. Potential:
There has been a demand for this product from SPC Shepparton to meet cannery requirements of 600-1000 tonnes per annum. This represents a significant market driven incentive.
Asparagus is a leading horticultural export commodity with Japan and Singapore as major buyers. These export markets represent potential opportunities for this emerging industry.
Extracted from the Bright Report
