Summary

An industry blueprint for the next 5 years is essential if the pomegranate industry is to reach or exceed a contribution of $10 million to the Australian economy. This preliminary research proposal seeks to engage an experienced consultant to produce a plan that identifies growth pillars and defines priority targets within these areas of focus. Progress towards these targets must be measurable and success reported.
Extensive stakeholder engagement will be needed to identify the growth pillars and the priorities within each. This engagement would include stakeholder workshops and phone surveys to understand fully the current position of the industry. A desk-top review of existing research and resources would also be included.
Establishment of a national industry database will be aligned with the stakeholder engagement process.
The association plays a pivotal role in the coordination of industry priorities and a strong value proposition for members is necessary to attract stakeholder buy-in. Executive support for actioning some of the strategic priorities, plus funding of communication and extension priorities, such as branding and development of a website and newsletter, is included in this application.

Program

New and Emerging Industries

Research Organisation

Australian Pomegranate Association

Objective Summary

The over-arching aim of this project is to fully understand the current position of the Australian pomegranate industry, define the constraints and opportunities facing the industry and to produce a road map for the industry to grow and increase market share over the next 5 years.
In the past 18 months, industry members have identified potential R&D projects, particularly regarding production issues. Project applications for an investigation into dieback in pomegranates, the development of a best-practice guide, and research into parameters constraining production, yield and fruit quality have been unsuccessful. A whole-of-industry plan is needed which defines industry RD&E priorities.
The APA seeks to facilitate such a blueprint to guide future RD&E funding.