The NSW Government has unveiled the new $9 million state-of-the-art Centre for Australian Horticultural Market Access (CAHMA) in Ourimbah on the State’s Central Coast.
The new centre is a hub for research and development which will help develop major projects designed to strengthen the State’s $3.5 billion horticulture sector.
It includes state-of-the-art DNA-based tools to quickly identify foodborne germs, increased laboratory capacity to support food safety R&D programs and sorting technology to detect quarantine pests and diseases and improve fruit quality.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the Centre will help protect and grow NSW regional industries and markets across key horticultural industries including citrus, berries, avocados, melons and vegetables.
It will also enhance capacity to support supply chain efficiencies, fruit quality and food safety.
“For more than 130 years, NSW Government research has helped the sustainable growth of our agriculture farming, fisheries and forestry industries,” said Minister Moriarty.
“We are investing in research infrastructure and activities to drive industry growth, the sustainable development of our natural resources, and to support innovation so that industry can manage the risks and take advantage of opportunities for the next century.
“Market access and fruit quality remain a crucial issue for the horticulture industry to continue to grow and maintain markets.
“This facility will be an essential hub for research and development to support projects critical to building domestic and export markets for NSW’s and Australia’s horticultural produce.”
The installation of new state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment includes:
- Technology to detect quarantine pests and diseases and improve fruit quality and to reduce chemical use and improve sustainability of NSW horticultural exports;
- High pressure washing facility to remove surface pests and contaminants;
- Advanced controlled-atmosphere technologies and fumigation equipment to improve market access outcomes;
- Upgraded and new cool rooms and fumigation facilities to scale-up research to semi-commercial equivalence;
- A new biosafety level 2 laboratory for containment of human pathogens with automated diagnostic workflows enhancing food safety surveillance.
“The new Centre for Australian Horticultural Market Access will allow NSW DPIRD researchers greater capacity to contribute to the increased productivity, profitability and sustainability of the NSW horticulture sector,” said NSW DPIRD Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Rachel Connell.
“The facility will allow NSW DPIRD research scientists to expand on the important work of maintaining and improving market access and ensuring fruit and vegetables are at their optimal quality and safe for domestic and export markets.”
The $9 million project was funded from the World Class Food and Fibre Stage 2 Program from the Restart NSW Fund and was completed in July 2025.
