Our Constitution

Hort Innovation’s Constitution outlines the company’s priorities as the research and development corporation for Australian horticulture:

• Provide leadership to, and to promote the development of, the Australian horticulture industry
• Increase the productivity, farm gate profitability and global competitiveness of the horticultural industries by:
  • The strategic allocation and investment of levies, Australian Government contributions, producer contributions (also known as ‘voluntary levies’) and monies received from investors in research, development, extension and marketing funds, programs and services
  • Providing information, services and products related to research, development, extension and marketing activities or outcomes
• Support capacity building by maintaining a diverse range of research, development, extension and marketing services providers
• Promote and further the interests of Australian horticultural industries overseas in relation to the export, sale, distribution and consumption in countries other than Australia
• Be accountable to levy payers, producer contribution payers, investors and the Australian Government for the company’s use of levies, producer contributions and payments from investors
• Engage in any other activities for the benefit of members, levy payers, producer contribution payers, Australian horticultural industries, co-investors and the Australian community generally
• To do all such things as are incidental, convenient or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the above.

The Constitution was updated on 24 November 2023.

Our funding agreement

On 24 June 2020, Hort Innovation signed a new Deed of Agreement with The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. This document is the funding agreement that allows for levies and government contributions to be transferred from the government to Hort Innovation, and that governs how Hort Innovation subsequently invests those funds.

The agreement is for 10 years, covering 2020 to 2030. It differs from the initial agreement between Hort Innovation and the Australian Government, in that it takes a 'principles-based approach' to operations, as opposed to a 'compliance approach', which essentially means Hort Innovation has more time to focus on working with and for the horticulture sector. There is less prescriptive detail in the document and fewer double-ups regarding legislative matters.

Guidelines for Statutory Funding Agreements published by The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, and coming into effect on 1 January 2022, is a companion document to the agreement.

Governing documents

In addition to the company’s Constitution, Hort Innovation was established under, and is managed by, legislation and regulation. The following documents outline the scope and legalities of Hort Innovation as an RDC and corporate entity: 

• Horticulture Marketing and R&D Services Act 2000
• Horticulture Marketing and R&D Services Regulations 2001
• Ministerial Decree – Hort Innovation as the Industry Services Body
• ASX Corporate Governance Principles 4th edition
• Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
• RDC Knowledge Transfer Guide
• Whistleblowers Policy