Evaluation of Ginger RD&E program reveals healthy return on investment

Share

  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share via Email
  • Share Link
  • Print

Evaluation of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Ginger Research Development and Extension (RD&E) Program has revealed a healthy Benefit:Cost ratio, indicating a positive future for the growing Australian ginger industry.

The analyses of 17 projects completed between 2012 and 2017 unveiled a significant Benefit:Cost for the ginger industry between 8.0 and 19.9 to 1 as a result of $1.2 million RIRDC investment – an impressive result given the emerging status of the industry.

RIRDC Managing Director, Mr John Harvey said evaluation of the Ginger RD&E Program five-year plan will inform continued program investment, as well as the impact and benefits of the program.

“The Ginger RD&E Program is making a strong contribution to RIRDC’s overarching goals of investing in the profitability, sustainability and resilience of rural industries and communities,” said Mr Harvey.

“The economic analyses will contribute to planning for the levy funded Australian Ginger RD&E Program. The report is good news for the Australian Ginger Industry and confirms investments with RIRDC are delivering strong industry benefits.”

Australian ginger production is steadily increasing, averaging 8,000 tonnes in recent years with an estimated farm-gate value of $A32 million. On a global scale, Australian ginger is also making its mark, with a reputation for producing premium ginger underpinned by the highest food safety and environmental stewardship credentials.

President of the Australian Ginger Industry Association, Shane Templeton, said he was very pleased with the evaluation, which confirmed the benefits of a ginger levy and potential to expand the industry.

“The partnership between RIRDC and the ginger industry has been fantastic, they have helped us get projects up and running and have created value for growers. The support has been invaluable,” said Mr Templeton.

“When we first partnered with RIRDC, they could see we had issues and the industry was struggling with Pythium. Through consolidation, producers now have management strategies and as a result we are seeing positive growth in the ginger industry.”

The Ginger RD&E Program is funded by industry participants through a statutory levy (introduced in 2011) and matched dollar-for-dollar by the Australian Government. The report An Economic Evaluation of RIRDC Investment in the Ginger R&D Program is available at www.rirdc.gov.au 

Media contact: Samantha Munro, RIRDC Communications Manager
e. 
samantha.munro@rirdc.gov.au | ph. 02 6923 6916 | m. 0409 966 182

Ginger facts:

  • Australian ginger production is steadily increasing, averaging 8,000 tonnes in recent years
  • Estimated farm-gate value of $A32 million
  • Australian ginger has a reputation for high food safety and environmental stewardship credentials
  • Grown in the sub-tropical regions of Queensland and Northern NSW
  • Two varieties: fresh ginger and late season ginger
  • Fresh ginger with its milder taste, is harvested in February and March for processing, with some growers making fresh ginger available all year around
  • Later harvest ginger is harvested from June to August, and is stronger in flavour

For more information, visit: http://www.australianginger.org.au/

Latest News

  • 28.03.24

    Mandy Walker wins Western Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

  • RICE / 28.03.24

    Innovation in action: AgriFutures Rice Program introduces exciting new suite of projects

  • 27.03.24

    Nikki Atkinson wins South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

  • THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 27.03.24

    Passion for performance horses has aspiring vet on the right track