Australian horticulture accelerates push into Asia

Australian horticulture is accelerating its push into high-value Asian markets, creating new export opportunities to help growers build more productive and profitable businesses.

On 2 June at Hort Connections 2026, Hort Innovation spotlighted a suite of export-focused initiatives aimed at helping Australian levy-payers build international relationships, strengthen market access, and grow capability in priority markets.

These projects form part of the A$38mn invested in industry trade projects by Hort Innovation across 15 industries targeting export into 14 countries, including China, Japan and Korea.

Brett Fifield, Hort Innovation CEO explained why exports are essential for the future of the industry.

“Export growth is a critical priority for Australian horticulture as it underpins the long‑term viability of the industry,” he said. “As Australia’s horticulture outputs grow, diversification across markets, customers and channels is one of the strongest ways growers can manage risk, respond to change and build resilient businesses.”

Hort Innovation investment partnerships focused on growing exports include:

• The two-year funding programme for China horticulture showcase and Australia-Japan Horticulture Exchange programme. These engagement platforms bring together government, industry and commercial stakeholders to build demand and credibility in priority markets, strengthening trade relationships and driving sustained export outcomes.
• The new Hort Innovation-IFPA Global Scholarship which supports ten applicants to attend the inaugural Global Grower Leaders Program – an international leadership experience to strengthen Australian horticulture capability. Participants will gain insights from global events, leaders, technologies, and supply chains to drive industry impact.
• More than A$3mn in marketing campaigns across 11 priority markets in collaboration with exporters, local retailers and in-market delivery partners.
• About A$17.5mn to ensure fruit quality, consistency and export supply chain performance for Australian growers. This work has improved the shelf-life of mangoes, avocados, summerfruit and berries exported across the globe.
• Eight-year commitment to Fresh and Secure Trade alliance (FASTA) a A$130mn science programme collaboration across industry and government to strengthen Australia’s market access and trade readiness – this project recently supported market access negotiations for blueberries and mainland apples into Asia.
• Uniting industry at Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 under the Australia Pavilion and showcasing Australian horticulture and growers on the global stage and strengthening trade relationships across Asia.
• Multi-industry grower-focused international study tours designed to learn global best practice, identify opportunities and build relationships. Current study tours are underway for almond, apple, cherry, prune, mushroom, vegetable and melon industries, with the Hort Innovation-funded VegMech programme set to take the next round of participants to the UK and Netherlands in June 2026.
• Supporting the entry of Australian mainland apples into the China market through targeted trade and marketing investments including an official in market launch in September to build demand and support new export opportunities for growers.

“Exporting can feel complex and high-risk, but these projects run by Hort Innovation make it feel more accessible,” said Christian Parsons, chief operating officer at one of Australia’s leading grower-exporters, Costa. ”By bringing together market insights, connections and practical programmes, they’re giving growers a clearer pathway to explore opportunities with confidence. It’s not just about opening doors – it’s about equipping growers with the knowledge and networks to make informed decisions and build sustainable export businesses over time.”

“By supporting stronger market connections, capability and trade readiness, these initiatives are helping lay the groundwork for sustainable export growth across Australian horticulture,” concluded Fifiel