The relationship between the Australian and Indian horticultural industries is set to be strengthened by a new memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
Signed by Horticulture Australia Limited and the Indian Council of Australian Research last week, the agreement will allow Indian government institutes to engage with Australian research and development agencies for the first time.
“India has one of the largest horticulture sectors in the world, with many of its growers facing similar challenges to Australian growers,” Horticulture Australia chair Selwyn Snell said.
“Until now, the two countries have been working independently to advance their industries through research and development that focused on overcoming such challenges. Working collaboratively will benefit both countries as we identify research gaps and potential opportunities.”
Following the signing of the memorandum in New Delhi, representatives from Horticulture Australia, various Australian horticulture industries and government departments participated in a research workshop in Bangalore, to identify key strategic research collaboration areas.
Representatives from the Australian apple and pear, almond, mango, strawberry, table grape and vegetable industries, along with researchers from Queensland’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Victoria’s Department of Environment and Primary Industries attended the workshop.
