Starting out in horticulture

Horticulture is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors, offering opportunities across:

• fruit
• vegetables
• nuts
• nursery
• viticulture production
• and more.

The horticulture industry is also a large employer in regional towns through:

• direct employment
• the processing sector
• regional food and wine tourism.

From site planning and training to crop selection and accessing markets, there’s a range of considerations when starting a new horticulture enterprise.

Building knowledge and experience

Running a commercial horticulture business is very different from home gardening. Before you invest, it’s important to assess your skills and gain relevant experience. Experience can be gained through:

• work experience on a commercial farm, nursery or orchard
• a formal qualification in horticulture such as one of the TAFE NSW horticulture courses.

Planning for climate and infrastructure

Take time to observe your land for at least one full season before deciding what and where to plant. observing the farm will help plan where to grow crops and help to select the most suitable crops for the climate and soil types. Look for:

• easily waterlogged or flood-prone areas
• frost pockets or shade
• slope and water runoff patterns
• shallow or rocky soils
• sun exposure
• direction of prevailing winds.

Start thinking about organisation and infrastructure

You may need:

• a packing shed with cool rooms requiring plumbing and electricity
• access to three-phase power for equipment
• water supply and plumbing upgrades
• greenhouses (orientation is important for growing conditions)
• road access for transport.

Site selection will be important to minimize costs for utilities. 

Field growing areas should be planned on a flood free, well drained fertile soil that receives plentiful sunlight and minimal frost. Seasonality of rainfall should also be considered when choosing which crops to grow. 

Infrastructure and plantings must not infringe on easements required for powerlines and other services. 

Also check zoning restrictions with local council.

Development and land clearing approvals

Some infrastructure and horticultural activities may require development consent under local council rules. You may need approvals for:

• greenhouses
• shade structures
• permanent irrigation systems
• Clearing native vegetation or trees

Land in NSW is subject to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Local Land Services Act 2013.

Soil and water use

Good soil health is essential. You can:

• perform basic tests using tools like the Soil Health Card
• send samples to NATA/ASPAC-accredited labs for nutrient testing
• speak with your local agronomist or agricultural supply store for help interpreting results.

Water is one of the most critical inputs in horticulture. Town water is often too expensive for large-scale use, and not all rural water sources can be used commercially. Important points to keep in mind for your horticulture plans are that:

• 'stock and domestic' entitlements from streams can only be used for stock water and household use on a rural property. It can’t legally be used to irrigate commercial crops
• you may need a water licence for bores, streams or dam water.

Choosing what to grow

Before planting, research:

• what’s in demand?
• what grows well in local conditions?
• what resources (labour, water, land) does the crop require?
• what regulations or certifications apply to that crop?

Selling and marketing produce

It’s important to plan your market strategy early even before you plant. Talk to potential buyers and assess demand.

Potential market channels include:

• wholesale market agents like Sydney Markets or Brisbane Markets
• local foodservice companies
• local greengrocers,
• restaurants
• farmers markets
• online or subscription models (for example, food boxes, CSA).

It is important to consider:

• food safety schemes or certification required by certain buyers
• seasonality and market timing – can you fill an undersupplied gap?

Selling interstate or exporting

If you're selling produce interstate or internationally, you may need:

• pest and disease certifications
• spray diaries and traceability systems
• compliance with import regulations of destination states or countries.

Join a grower association

Industry associations can be a great source of technical information and market intelligence. They also manage research and development levies and advocate for growers.

Considerations for organic farming

Organic production can open access to premium markets. To sell certified organic produce, you must register with a certifying body like Organic Australia and complete a conversion period.

Using chemicals in horticulture

If you plan to use any agricultural chemicals, including organic inputs, you must:

• complete AQF Level 3 chemical user training
• keep accurate spray and chemical use records

Training is offered through TAFE and accredited private providers.