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The majority of vegetable crops are produced in the high fertility areas of the north-west, central north and north-east, however in recent years there has been some movement into the drier north of the State where irrigation is available.

Tasmania's vegetable industry is an important component of the State's economy. Vegetables represent 18 per cent of the value of agriculture, being worth approximately $164 million at the farm gate. When packed and / or processed the value of Tasmania's vegetables is valued at approximately $352 million per annum.

Most vegetables are produced under contract for processing (frozen vegetables) by Simplot Australia Pty Ltd and McCain Foods (Aust) Pty Ltd. The sector also comprises of a number of small operators who directly supply fresh vegetables.

The vegetable industry is very dependent on the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme to offset shipping costs to interstate markets.

The three major fresh vegetables grown in Tasmania are potatoes, onions and carrots.The other major fresh vegetables produced in Tasmania are lettuce, broccoli. Other vegetables available (but not necessarily in exportable quantities) are:
asparagus, beans, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, leeks, parsnip, sweet corn, tomatoes and zucchini.

 Potatoes

Potatoes are the largest component of the vegetable industry and, once packed and processed, account for 56 per cent of sales. Interestate sales of processed potatoes represent 66 per cent of net interstate sales. Less than 1 per cent of potatoes are exported.

The major resources required by the potato industry are good quality land and water, and skilled operators.  Potatoes are grown on a range of soils in Tasmania, from the red clay barns of the north-west and north-east to sandy barns of the northern Midlands and the south.

The main advantages of potato production in Tasmania are the quality of the product and the continuity of supply. Approximately 1.3 million tonnes of potatoes are produced nationally, with Tasmania producing approximately a quarter of this.

Fresh potatoes are sold locally through supermarkets, greengrocers, vegie-sheds, roadside and on-farm sales. The remainder of the potatoes are used for processing. The major product of the Tasmanian potato industry is French fries for the national retail and fast food markets.

Through its Processing Potato Program, the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research is conducting research into vegetable diseases, including common scab disease in potatoes, one of the most prevalent and costly diseases for the potato industry worldwide. The program involves researchers from around the world working towards improved disease management in potatoes.

Onions

Most onion production occurs in the north-east and north-west of the State, extending into the northern midlands. Onions are grown in rotation with other vegetables or mixed cropping enterprises, rather than on specialised farms.

Onions are the second most valuable vegetable crop after potatoes in terms of contribution to the Tasmanian economy. Tasmania produces approximately 25 per cent of the national crop of onions.

The onion industry relies heavily on overseas exports. Despite the loss of some export markets in Europe and Asia in recent years, onions in Tasmania are still mainly grown for export. Transport costs impact heavily on the returns available to the grower, with shipping costs accounting for about 35 per cent of the gross return per tonne of onions shipped.

Despite the loss of some expot markets in Europe and Asia in recent years, onions in Tasmania are still mainly grown for export. In terms of value, Germany is the largest importer of Tasmanian onions, followed by the United Kingdom. The demand for onions in Europe has always been strong. Japan is the largest Asian market, with significant exports also going to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong. The major competitors to Tasmania are New Zealand, Chile and South Africa, with China an emerging supplier within Asia.

Carrots

Annual Tasmanian production of fresh market carrots has about doubled in recent years to about 31,000 tonnes. Some fresh market packers also supply a further 10,000 tonnes into processing or juicing markets. About 60 per cent of carrots are sold to interstate markets. Carrots are grown in all states of Australia, with Tasmania growing very high quality produce.

 Other vegetables

The other major fresh vegetables produced in Tasmania are lettuce, broccoli and greenhouse vegetables.

Other crops sold on the domestic fresh market include broad beans, french beans, runner beans, cauliflowers, brussel sprouts, green peas, tomatoes, parsnips, swedes, pumpkin, zucchini, celery, sweet corn and cabbages.