A $1.2 MILLION program will go a long way toward helping Australia reach its goal of exporting 40 per cent of its cherry crop by 2025.
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Trade efforts will be boosted for existing and aspiring exporters through the Hort Innovation program with industry levies and funds from the Australian Government. It will be led by Cherry Growers Australia and industry partners.
More than 50 activities that will build export capability among Australian cherry growers, minimise trade risks during supply chain disruptions and other challenges and grow Australia's reputation for delivering quality cherries.
The project will focus on emergency response planning, pest and disease management, data and supply chain traceability, as well as training workshops and supports such as an export helpdesk line.
Cherry Growers Australia's chief operating officer Andrea Magiafoglou said the nation's cherry industry, made up of some 200 producers, was poised for growth as it enters a new phase of export development.
"Industry has set an ambitious target of exporting 40 per cent of production by 2025 and this dedicated export program, with support being tailored to each region, will help us reach that," she said.
"With many cherry growers being export ready, we are now in a position where we can build on our success to be an export-focussed industry."
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Ms Magiafoglou said there is a strong willingness for industry to work together to share data and intelligence to preserve premium export prices in the face of increasing global competition; and thereby manage this risk.
Australia exported almost 5000 tonnes of fresh cherries overseas in 2020/21 with 24 per cent of that to the largest market, Hong Kong. Of the total crop, 23pc was exported in 2020/21.
Hort Innovation's chief executive officer Brett Fifield said industry has made it clear that increased exports were a priority.
"Therefore, this is Hort Innovation's priority," he said.
"Research and development programs, such as this, are key to the vitality of trade. Investing in export activities is at the forefront of what we do.
"In this instance, a key focus is also looking at how trade markets can be maintained, expanded, and diversified to support industry sustainability."
Orange-NSW-based cherry grower Fiona Hall said fortifying the future of the cherry trade industry was crucial for growers.
"The pandemic has placed a tremendous amount of pressure on cherry growers over the past two years," she said.
"This new export program is indicative of the positive way forward for cherry growers."
More than $26M in research and development activities, from pest and disease management efforts to educational events to market access preparation work, underpins the Cherry Export Strategy.
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