The Onion Levy

The statutory onion levy is money gathered from growers across Australia to fund research and development (R&D) projects with the objective to improve efficiency, product quality, sustainability. Research and Development also includes advancing communication networks such as this website.

The levy is payable on all commercially grown onions. It is calculated on a per tonne basis. The current Research and Development levy is set at $1.60 per tonne. The levy is collected for either the domestic or export markets. There is a separate National Residue Survey Levy (NRS) or .40cents per tonne collected at the same time as R&D.

The levy is collected from the grower at the first point of sale by the Levies Revenue Service (LRS). This is usually at a wholesale market or processing company. During 2011 Onions Australia reviewed these current levy arrangments.  A vote on changes to the statutory levy will take place in May 2011.  To read more download the Overview or Full documents by clicking over the highlighted areas.

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is responsible for managing industry funds and the Australian Government matches the levy dollar-for-dollar.

It is the industry’s responsibility to recommend via the Onion Industry Advisory Committees (IAC) how funds should be invested. The IAC consists of skill based committee members with a special interest in onions. The Onion IAC has a broad skill base and always includes growers.

How the levy is used