Optimising Capsicum and Chilli quality

⁠⁠⁠Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) is a not-for-profit, grower-owned Research and Development Corporation (RDC) for Australia’s $16.3 billion horticulture industry. Hort Innovation invests around $154 million in research and development (R&D) and marketing programs annually to provide benefit to industry and the wider community.

Hort Innovation is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced and capable delivery partner for the project: Optimising capsicum and chilli quality (VG24002).

The overall objective is to increase the volume of high-quality, blemish-free capsicum and chilli by improving production and post-harvest processes that target quality and ripening through:

• Optimising post-farm gate ultimate storage conditions, performance and processes for capsicum and chilli supply chains by improved cool chain logistics and best practices across different traits (e.g., greens, semi coloured, fully mature) to reduce losses and trace back to production. (Year 1, subject to Stop/Go)

• Attaining better on-farm management to achieve uniform capsicum and chilli quality and greater flexibility and control of ripening and colouring through improved crop production techniques (e.g. varieties, environment, management), and optimised carbohydrate management to reduce defects. (Year 2, subject to Stop/Go)

• Promoting widespread adoption of improved pre- and post-farm gate techniques by growers through best practice extension and communication. (Years 2 and 3)

Hort Innovation has prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) document that provides background information, outlines the scope of services, the procurement process and the information required from interested parties.

Please note, our tender document suite has recently updated. These updates include:

• A new Tender Companion Guide to assist with completing Project Proposals.

• The Project Proposal Template now consists of two parts (replacing previous MRT): a Word document and an Excel component for financial tables.

Please ensure both the Word and Excel components are included in your submission.