There are approximately 170 plantations in the Carnarvon Horticulture District, which cultivate a yearly average of 1200 hectares of land. In 2019 the district produced 39,150 tonnes of produce with a gross value of over $94m. Land for future expansion is being investigated and will be made available in the near future.
Irrigation water is utilised from aquifers beneath and adjacent to the Gascoyne River. The Gascoyne River is an ephemeral river that flows only when high rainfall events occur in the inland catchment. The aquifers are recharged during river flow events. Scheme water is available from the Gascoyne Water Cooperative through an allocation and water trading scheme. Growers utilise water from the scheme and individual Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s licenced bores to irrigate crops. Most crops in Carnarvon are grown using drip irrigation which maximises water use efficiency.
The majority of produce is transported 1000km south via trucks to service the local Perth market. A smaller proportion travels further afield to interstate and overseas markets.
Detailed statistics for the horticultural produce in Carnarvon are available from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Carnarvon Office and are attached to this webpage.