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Herbs and Botanical Production

The Northern Rivers Region supports a diverse herb and botanical products and services industry.  It consists of growers and manufacturers. Most of the growers run small enterprises and sell their product to restaurants or larger independent manufacturers and processors.  These organisations effectively act as amalgamators. They purchase small quantities of herbs from local growers (and sometimes imported product) to supplement their own production. These are processed or sold on to larger manufacturers.

Herbs and Botanical Production

Southern Cross University has four main schools that are complementary to a growing and manufacturing industry. These schools are:

  • School of Natural and Complimentary Medicine;
  • Australian Centre for Complimentary Medicine Education and Research;
  • Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics; and
  • Centre for Phytochemistry.

The most limiting commercial factors for a viable local industry are the scale of operation of local growers and their ability to purchase specialised harvesting equipment.

Economies of scale and vertical integration will continue to drive the local herb industry.

Research and Resources

[wpfilebase tag=file id=376 /]  Prepared in 2003.  Authors: Excel Consulting Group (QLD) Pty Ltd. In association with elect Management Pty Ltd Australian Phytochemicals Ltd. Sponsoring Organisations: INR in partnership with the Area Consultative Committees, the NSW Aboriginal Lands council, Department of Transport and Regional Services and NSW DSRD. (Two Documents)

[wpfilebase tag=file id=374 /] Prepared in 2002.  Authors: Excel Consulting Group (QLD) Pty Ltd.  INR project in partnership with the Area Consultative Committees, the NSW Aboriginal Lands Council, Department of Transport and Regional Services and NSW DSRD.

[wpfilebase tag=file id=375 /] Strategies and Recommendations for a Sustainable  Horticultural Industry in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW.September 1999. Authors: John Baker, Produce Marketing Australia. Tony and Frances Biggs, Cardinal Horticultural Services. David Peasley, Peasley Horticultural Services. Sponsoring Organisations: NSW DSRD, NRRDB, NRACC.

If you wish to obtain any reports or resources on this page email us at info@rdanorthernrivers.org.au or phone 02 6622 4011.
Image(s) courtesy of Ballina Shire Council

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