Cultivar selection There are a number of vegetable seed suppliers who select promising cultivar seed lines from Europe and America and run assesment trials on local farms. Seed companies and Nurseries work together to evaluate the seasonal performance and uniformity of new cultivars on a semi-commercial scale. The decision of which cultivar to grow is often based on the outcome of these trials. Independent nurseries operating throughout Victoria supply more than 70% of vegetable seedlings to growers. Some growers also produce their own seedlings. ProductionVictoria accounts for 27% of Australia’s total vegetable production and is Victorias second largest horticultural industry (after potatoes), worth in excess of $500 million per annum. The industry is made up of professional growers who operate across the state, in areas where water is available for irrigation. Growers incorporate quality assurance systems and best management practices, demonstrating their commitment to the production of clean, green and safe food. Most vegetable growers use a HACCP system, such as SQF 2000 or ISO 9002 Harvest Most harvesting of vegetable products is mechanised, however there are some products that require labour intensive practices. For a quality product to reach the customer, growers must ensure that harvesting takes place at the optimum time and temperature and mechanical damage by harvesting equipment is minimal. Postharvest Processed and consumer-ready products are becoming increasingly popular and are adding value to the industry. Vegetables have a very high water content (ranging from 70-75% for potatoes to 90-95% for lettuce and celery) and therefore require good handling and management practices during harvesting, postharvest, packaging, storage and marketing to maintain product quality Postharvest practices mainly involve the trimming and washing of bulk product. Packaging Most vegetable products are sorted into size grades and packed in boxes ready for marketing. Storage All products are cool stored to maintain moisture content and quality. Road Freight Vegetable products leave the producers property by road freight, destined for the domestic or export markets. All products are chilled prior to loading Wholesaler Product destined for the domestic market is sold locally and interstate through wholesalers or delivered direct by growers. The main market paths are Fresh, Processing, and Export.Vegetable processing in Victoria and involves canning, pickling, freezing and fresh-cut operations. Retailer Local grocers buy fresh produce from growers and wholesalers at Melbourne Markets - Footscray. Growers can market their produce direct to the public at roadside stalls and local Farmers Markets. Supermarkets distribution centres are supplied direct by growers or through wholesalers.