Our R&D Programs Australia is an amazing place when it comes to flora and fauna - we have over 20,000 varieties in our gene pool. We’ve got the largest selection of plant material in the world. This creates great opportunities for the development of new varieties. The Australian Flower Company (TAFC) supports these developments both financially and through ongoing testing programs. The commercialisation of new material ensures that TAFC remains a leader in the industry. Over the past 6 years, TAFC has directed resources to commercialising 12 New Hybrid Varieties of Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium spp.). We work in conjunction with The New South Wales Department of Agriculture and Fisheries who breed the new strains. More recently the Company has invested in R & D of Eriostemon Australasis with the NSW Dept. of Agriculture. We view Research and Development as a critical element of our long-term viability and for the competitiveness of the industry. TAFC contributes to the R & D of Australian Flowers on an ongoing basis. We also develop new products, marketing and distribution programs, as in the following case study. In fact, TAFC are now producing 23 unique bouquets based on Australian themes for the export market. We have used our experience in marketing and product knowledge and are now working closely with growers to source well over 50 different flower varieties to make up these bouquets. © Copyright 2002 The Australian Flower Company. All rights reserved.