Grower-owned research and development body Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) has announced a new unit and funding mechanism to grow Australia’s exports to Asia and beyond.
The Trade Unit will be lead by HIA trade manager Sam Lawrence and comprise four staff focusing on strategy and government liaison; market access; market development; and disinfestation research and development.
HIA has also established an Asian Markets Funds, focusing on market growth opportunities across Asia and help identify new target markets and consumer segments to increase exports.
“Growers can be confident that Hort Innovation is being structured to face the multitude of trade issues impacting the sector, whilst addressing industry’s specific interest in Asian markets. With the Trade Unit funded from corporate costs and the Asian Markets Fund funded through co-contributions in Pool 2, matched R&D levy funds will not be used to fund trade and market access activities in other commodity areas,” said HIA on a statement published on its website.
The organisation has said it will consult with Australia’s horticulture industries over the coming months to develop programmes with its Asian Market Funds and develop a trade strategy.
Replacing Horticulture Australia Limited in November 2014, HIA invest A$100m in R&D and marketing programmes annually, funded by grower levies, government funds and external investment.
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