Overview

The Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2000 was enacted to address the need for structured support and development within Australia's horticulture industry, ensuring that it remains competitive and innovative. This Act was introduced by the Commonwealth Parliament with the policy objective of promoting the sustainability and growth of the horticulture industry through research and development initiatives. It provides a framework for the collection and allocation of funds that support various activities aimed at enhancing the industry's productivity and market competitiveness. The Act specifically mandates the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the horticulture sector, which is crucial for allocating funds appropriately for research and development purposes. The 2015 determination by Fran Freeman, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, sets the Gross Value of Production for the 2014-15 period at $8,644,066,667, ensuring that sufficient resources are directed towards fostering advancements and innovations in the industry.

Scope and Application

The Gross Value of Production for the Horticulture Industry for 2014-15 Act pertains specifically to the horticulture industry within Australia. It applies to the entities and individuals involved in the production of horticultural products during the specified financial year. The Act determines the gross value of production, which serves as a basis for funding research and development activities within the industry. Geographically, the Act applies across the entire nation, reflecting its national scope. The determination of the gross value of production is crucial for the allocation of funds under the Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2000. This Act facilitates the distribution of resources to support the ongoing innovation and development within the horticultural sector. The specified amount, $8,644,066,667, is set to fund research and development efforts, ensuring the industry's continued growth and sustainability. The Act's provisions extend through subordinate instruments, allowing for adjustments and refinements as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the horticulture industry.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of this legislative instrument, as determined by the delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, establish the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the horticulture industry for the financial year 2014-15. According to section 16(7A) of the Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2000, this determination sets the baseline amount from which research and development levies are to be calculated for the specified industry (sections 16(7A) and 32(2)). The GVP for the horticulture industry is set at $8,644,066,667, as stated in the gazette issued on 24 June 2015. Under the Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2000, the GVP determination imposes specific obligations on the horticulture industry and relevant stakeholders. It mandates that all entities involved in the horticulture sector must contribute to research and development activities based on the established GVP. This contribution is intended to support industry-specific research initiatives aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness within the sector. The Act ensures that all participants are required to comply with the set levies and contribute to the designated funds as stipulated by the GVP (section 16(7A)). Breaching the requirements of this legislation can result in legal consequences for the parties involved. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the gazette, under the Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2000, non-compliance with the mandated levies and contributions can lead to enforcement actions. The Act allows for penalties to be imposed, which may include fines or other civil or administrative sanctions. Such penalties are intended to ensure that all participants in the horticulture industry adhere to the requirements set out by the legislation. The exact nature and extent of the penalties would be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2000.