Network of 40 peak industry bodies will work with government to jointly deliver activities that support Australian exporters
The Australian government has announced the members of a new Trade Diversification Network (TDN) designed to combine the resources of industry and government to help exporters diversify and grow into new markets.
The multi-sector network consists of 40 peak industry bodies, including Ausveg and the Australian Table Grape Association will act as a lead industry coordinating a consortium of broad horticulture industries that includes Citrus Australia, Summerfruit Australia Limited, Avocados Australia, Melons Australia, Berries Australia, Cherry Growers Australia, Apple and Pear Australia Limited, Australian Mango Industry Association and Dried Fruits Australia, with coordination support from Hort Innovation.
Other participants include the Almond Board of Australia, Australian Macadamia Society, Australian Walnut Industry Association, National Farmers Federation, Australian Organic Limited and more.
The Network will work with government, as part of its A$50m, Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI), to identify and develop tailored activities such as trade missions, training and showcases to facilitate export diversification, enabling businesses to target and take advantage of emerging opportunities around the world.
This will see Austrade’s global network and the insights and capabilities of peak bodies combined to help ensure Australian businesses are best positioned to take advantage of global growth opportunities and strengthen resilience.
“Australia is a trading nation and we want to see more Australian exporters doing more trade with new and emerging partners across the globe in places like the Middle East and South-East Asia,” said federal minister for trade and tourism Don Farrell
“The Trade Diversification Network is a great example of government and industry working together to achieve a common goal: seeing Australian businesses diversify, grow, and build resilience.
“With one in four Australian jobs connected to trade, by helping our exporters we are securing jobs, building communities, and benefiting the Australian economy.”
Ausveg CEO Michael Coote said the announcement of the TDN is a welcome step towards encouraging further export development activities, initiatives and diversification across the Australian vegetable industry, which exports around 200,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually.
“Ausveg welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Trade Diversification Network through Austrade with a view to unlocking and developing new export business opportunities and markets for Australian vegetable growers under this government initiative,” said Coote.
“Developing international trade opportunities for growers in the Australian vegetable industry has remained a longstanding priority for Ausveg for more than a decade, and in light of current domestic business and operating pressures facing Australian vegetable growers, the need to diversify is more important than ever.
“Ausveg’s participation in the Trade Diversification Network is a significant opportunity to build on our already-strong partnership with Austrade and will complement our existing export development programme delivered in partnership with Hort Innovation. This welcome development will deliver material benefits to Australian vegetable exporters and contribute to the long-term viability of Australia’s vegetable industry.”
ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said the announcement marks an important milestone for Australian horticulture exporters.
“This is a significant opportunity for Australian table grapes and the wider horticulture sector to work collaboratively on export diversification,” Scott said.
“Being selected to participate in the TDN recognises both the export maturity of our industries and the value of a coordinated, cross-industry approach.”
Scott said the consortium’s focus would be on diversifying and enhancing existing industry-led export activities, strengthening proficiency and expanding commercial opportunities across new and emerging markets to support long-term export viability.
It will build on existing industry partnerships with Austrade, complement Hort Innovation levy-funded and other export market development programmes and government initiatives.
“Australian horticulture has built a strong reputation in Asia, but recent global disruptions have highlighted the need to broaden our market footprint,” he said. “Through the TDN, we will work closely with Austrade to design activities that support new growth – including deeper engagement in emerging markets, second-tier cities, and premium retail channels.:
Australian Organic Limited CEO Jackie Brian said its inclusion was recognition of the strength of Australia’s organic certification system and the sector’s global potential.
“Australian Organic Limited has an ambition to double the value of organic exports by 2032 and this initiative with Austrade will be integral to us achieve this goal. Australian certified organic businesses are seeing strong overseas demand for trusted and healthy premium products, grown with care for the environment and backed by robust certification. Through the Trade Diversification Network, we’ll work with Austrade to convert that demand into real export wins by opening doors to buyers, building market pathways, and helping more Australian certified organic producers succeed internationally,” said Brian.
