Strategic Horticulture Investment Framework (SHIFt) program update

Preparation for the conclusion of the current five-year industry-based Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) and the next iteration of investment planning is continuing, with extensive national industry consultation undertaken to inform development of a new investment planning framework in advance of the current SIPs expiring in June 2026.

Industry consultation on the investment planning framework, which will underpin investment in research and development (R&D) and marketing over the coming years, was carried out during phase 1 of the Strategic Horticulture Investment Framework (SHIFt) program.

Feedback and insights from consultation with more than 400 stakeholders has now been captured, collated and summarised in a consultation report published on the Hort Innovation website here.

Informed by that industry feedback, a proposed new investment planning and reporting system is now in development. The new planning model is being designed with features including:

• a simplified structure and language for ease of use and understanding;
• a focus on setting direction and guiding investments to meet grower needs;
• plans that can be adapted periodically, based on changing industry priorities;
• moving from static PDF documents to an accessible digital format;
• reflecting the diversity of each industry and the capability to search across industries for multi-industry opportunities;
• improved transparency in progress reporting against the investment plans.

An example of this new planning model can also be found on the SHIFt web page.

Phases 2 & 3 of the SHIFt program will see development of the investment plan content alongside industry and delivery of the digital solution.

Hort Innovation team members have begun liaising with industry representatives on key priorities for the new investment plans. Continued feedback from all stakeholders is also encouraged: you can contact the SHIFt program team at [email protected] to contribute to the process or with any questions about the program.