This month’s FloraCulture International highlights the systems that keep global plant trade strong and sustainable – and features Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) on page 24.
In the article, written by GIA’s own Emily Rice, Australia’s science-based approach to plant health takes centre stage. The piece explains how GIA’s BioSecure HACCP certification gives growers confidence to move plants safely across state borders – managing risk on site rather than reacting after the fact.
Emily’s story highlights Cameron’s Nursery in NSW, where BioSecure HACCP sits alongside NIASA and EcoHort as part of GIA’s Australian Plant Production Standard (APPS). It’s a practical example of how certification builds resilience, protects markets and strengthens business reputation.
Behind the scenes, GIA continues to lead Australia’s plant health effort – responding to new pest incursions, supporting growers through extension and training, and making sure biosecurity remains front-of-mind for the industry.
Clarifying nursery levy arrangements for certain berry growers
Greenlife Industry Australia and Berries Australia have been working with the Australian Government to resolve a long-standing anomaly in how the nursery products levy (pot levy) is applied.
For some time, a small number of berry growers using pots and bags to produce fruit for sale as food crop have been inadvertently captured as levy payers. Because these growers already contribute through their own berry levy, they have effectively been paying twice – and obviously, this is unfair.
Both industries have been asking for this to be fixed, and after extensive consultation the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has now received a proposal co-developed by GIA and Berries Australia to amend the Nursery Products Levy. The change will clarify that the nursery products levy only applies as originally intended – to containers used for nursery production, not fruit grown for sale.
GIA supports this clarification. It simply brings the nursery levy back in line with its purpose and ensures growers across industries are treated equitably.
The financial impact on the nursery levy of this change is unknown but is expected to be modest.
The Department has opened a six-week objection period, closing 12 December 2025. Growers who wish to lodge an objection can do so in writing via the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website or by emailing the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry via Horticulture.Policy@aff.gov.au or the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry via Minister.Collins@aff.gov.au
All levy funded projects – now in one place
You told us you'd like more insight into where your levy investment is going, so we’ve put together a handy resource to showcase the projects funded to help build capability in the industry.
For all the details on levy funded projects (past and present – including the projects we deliver) check out the new Your Levy at Work page.
Even with a small dip in sales, the greenlife sector is proving its resilience. Most growers still see a strong future – and many are putting that optimism into action through investment and expansion.
72% of greenlife producers are optimistic about the future.
48% of businesses are actively investing in infrastructure, technology or training
41% of growers – especially larger operators – plan to expand in the next five years.
If you’re growing in this space, these results show the industry’s still solid, the mood’s upbeat – and opportunities are opening up in landscape, consumer and environmental markets.
Five new Minor Use Permits (MUPs) have been approved in the last year – which means you’ve got more options for managing pests and diseases in your nursery.
If you’ve ever struggled to find an approved product for a tricky pest, these permits expand what’s allowed – giving you more flexibility, less risk and better crop protection.
Find info about Minor Use Permit numbers PER94253, PER94353, PER94004, PER93970 and PER95487 on our website.
If you sell plants, this campaign is good news. It puts solid data behind what you already know – greenery sells.
By linking plants to property value – up to 17 per cent more – it gives retailers and growers a powerful story to share with customers and media this spring.
The campaign, developed with the Nursery Marketing Committee and funded by the levy, partners with Domain to show that plants aren’t just decoration – they’re an investment that pays off.
Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) detected in Melbourne’s northern suburbs
Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) has been detected in Melbourne’s north – and it matters to every grower who handles solanaceous crops.
Even if you’re outside the area, it’s a timely reminder to tighten your biosecurity. Check plants regularly for unusual yellowing, curling or sticky residue – and report anything suspicious early.
Choosing the right seed means fewer problems later – better germination, stronger plants and less chance of bringing in pests or diseases.
The Know Before You Sow campaign, from the Australian Seed Federation and Plant Health Australia, helps you make confident seed choices with a quick checklist and clear guidance on seed quality, integrity and transparency.
This newsletter is funded by Hort Innovation using the Nursery levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
You are receiving this email because you are a member of Greenlife Industry Australia, your state association or have been identified as a key stakeholder of the greenlife sector in Australia.
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