The proposal would see a future Liberal and Nationals government establish the Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria Horticulture Centre of Excellence, linking industry, researchers and training providers.
Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy said the horticulture sector was a major contributor to Victoria’s economy.
“Victoria’s horticulture sector is a powerhouse,” Ms Kealy said.
“It’s worth nearly $4 billion to our economy and contributes around 30 per cent of Australia’s total horticulture value.”
She said the industry supported thousands of jobs across regional and peri‑urban areas, but was under pressure from labour shortages, higher input costs, climate impacts and biosecurity risks.
According to the opposition, the centre would focus on practical outcomes, including workforce training, improving productivity for growers and helping businesses adapt to changing conditions.
Urban greening would also be a priority, with the centre intended to help address the decline in tree canopy across Victoria’s towns and cities, which has been linked to rising temperatures.
Ms Kealy said the centre would help close the gap between research and on‑farm or on‑ground application by improving coordination between industry and training bodies.
The announcement forms part of the opposition’s policy platform ahead of the next state election.
