The document outlines 5 key trends in Australian horticulture: 1) Rise of robots to reduce labor costs and improve productivity and safety, 2) Proliferation of sensors to collect data on climate, growth, and operations, 3) Increased interconnectivity through technology allowing integration of sensors, robots, and equipment, 4) Demand for provenance and stronger consumer connections to food sources, 5) Urbanization with consumers wanting convenient, small-scale produce for apartments. The trends present opportunities through automation, data-driven decisions, streamlined operations, value-added products, and convenient urban offerings.

1. ! !
Top 5 Trends in Australian Horticulture
Russell Cummings
Strategic Business Development

2. Doing Business in a VUCA World
V² = x VELOCITY

3. Trend Summary
ROBOTICS GLOBALISATION DATA PROVENANCE URBAN
CONSUMER

4. Trend # 1 – Rise of the Robots
▪ Robots will not be “C3PO”
▪ Purpose built not retro-fitted
▪ Small and numerous
▪ single or dual purpose
▪ Interconnectivity is key
Why?
▪ to reduce labour costs,
▪ increase productivity
▪ improve safety & quality

5. Robots
Exo-skeletons Toolbars not tractors
Single PurposeLabour Saving

6. Key Questions
Assume robots are
available, cheap to own &
run:
▪ How will you use robots
in your business?
▪ What tasks will you use
them for?

7. Trend # 2 – Data, data everywhere
We will see a proliferation of sensors
and scanners to assist in collating data
for the management of your business.
These sensors will integrate with each
other (via Trend 3 - Interconnectivity)
and will provide information on:
climate, weather, growth, quality,
labour movements, machinery
movements, plant health, water
usage, soil conditions - you name it.

8. Data

9. Key Questions
▪ What data will you require to
make better decisions in your
business?
▪ Who will collate and analyse
this for you?
▪ What information would be the
most valuable?

10. Interconnectivity is key
The rapid expansion of technology driven
by ubiquitous smart technology (phones,
tablets), cloud computing and fast mobile
internet means that all of our sensors,
devices, computers and robots can be
part of one large information system.
Integration with GPS services and
mapping software like Google Earth is
already passé, providing accurate real-
time location for all devices.

11. Interconnectivity
Scan
Select
Analyse
Augment

12. Key Questions
▪ What processes in your business
could you revolutionise by
interconnecting scanners,
robots, people and/or
equipment?
▪ What would the benefits be to
you of leveraging this
connectivity?

13. Trend # 3 – Where did I come from?
Savvy consumers are looking for stronger
connections to their food sources as the
focus on wellness, health and food safety
collide.
Take the rapid rise in popularity of “farmers’
markets” where consumers can feel a
stronger connection with their food and
produce as there is a rising distrust of
“corporate farming” and supermarkets and
their role in the food chain.

14. Value Adding Model
INCRVALUE
MORECOST
MORECOMPLEXITY
LESSCOMPETITION
Living art
Jams, Wines, Flours, Pastes
Potpourri, dried arrangements
Specialised planting media
Processed Organic products
Waste products conversion
Cut herbs and salads
Advanced plants
Uber quality – low quality
Specific purpose
Bio-degradable pots
Integrated pest control
Living art
Multi-variety plants - grafted
Garden Design Service
Starter Packs, balcony garden kits
Home delivered
Pot your own
Grow your own – mushrooms

15. The Challenge
▪ How can you build a
relationship with the
consumer?
▪ How can you align yourself
with the values of your
target market?
▪ How do you demonstrate
that you are a good
“Corporate Citizen”?

16. Trend # 4 –The Rise of the Urban Consumer
Australians are becoming increasingly
urbanised with larger proportion of the
population choosing to live in inner-city
apartments.
These apartments are typically small, with
limited food storage and refrigeration and
consumers are prone to shop daily for their
fresh food needs. They also want
connection with the environment.

17. Urbanisation of Horticulture
Vertical Gardens
Meal assembly
Convenient portions

18. Key Questions
▪ How will you support the
“Urban Consumer”?
▪ What are the opportunities
for you?
▪ Think: convenience, pack
size, meal assembly, small
scale, balcony, courtyard,
value adding, services, etc.

19. Trend #5 - Globalisation
▪ We have talked about this for the last 20
years – “It’s here!”
▪ Driven by:
▪ rapidly rising “middle class” incomes in
developing nations
▪ Improved communication
▪ Better packaging, transport and logistics
▪ Relentless downward pressure on prices
and costs
▪ Poor food safety standards in the
emerging economies

20. The Challenges
▪ Opportunities for savvy marketers to build
strong brands but not everyone is
capable – Brand & Supply Chain Alliances
▪ By 2030 there will be a global shortage of
skilled labour with the trend growing from
2020
▪ This will put pressure on Australian
businesses to attract and retain good
quality people – you will need a clear
strategy.

21. Key Questions
▪ How can you position your business to
take advantage of emerging
opportunities in Asia and India?
▪ Do you have the capacity to build a
niche brand or do you align with a
“vehicle” that can?
▪ What are your strategies for attracting
and retaining quality people in the
face of a global shortage?

22. What is the key trend for you?
Robotics Globalisation Data
Provenance
Urban
Consumer

23. High Performance Business
Right Things Right

24. More Resources
We will send you a link to copies of today’s PPT
in the next few days.
You can visit
www.horticulture-nextgeneration.com.au
Complete our free online Business Diagnostic.
Register for our free webinar program

25. How do we work with businesses?
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26. Take the 30-minute Challenge
Book a free 30 minute call and we will
discuss your Top Issues and create a
plan to address them.
Go to www.takethe30minute
challenge.com

27. ! !
Russell Cummings
Business Consultant
M: 0414 929 585
W: www.horticulture-nextgeneration.com.au
E: russell@horticulture-nextgeneration.com.au
Questions?

28. ! !
Russell Cummings
Business Consultant
M: 0414 929 585
W: www.sbdbusiness.com.au
E: russell@sbdbusiness.com.au
Thank You
Russell Cummings
Business Consultant
M: 0414 929 585
W: www.horticulture-nextgeneration.com.au
E: russell@horticulture-nextgeneration.com.au