Strategy outlines a clear national roadmap to improve productivity, grow demand and expand trade opportunities
Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) launched its Strategic Plan 2025–2030 at the Cherry 2026 National Cherry Industry Conference in Adelaide, setting the direction for a stronger, more productive and more sustainable Australian cherry industry.
The five-year strategy was unveiled as growers and industry leaders from across the country gathered for the three-day conference. It outlines a clear national roadmap to improve productivity, grow demand, expand trade opportunities and unite the industry around shared priorities.
CGA chair Alison Jones said the launch at Cherry 2026 reflected the purpose of the conference itself, to grow, connect and lead the future of the Australian cherry industry.
“Cherry 2026 is about bringing our industry together to look ahead, and this strategy provides the framework for where we are going over the next five years,” Jones said.
“It is a practical, grower-focused plan that responds to the challenges we face, while positioning Australian cherries as a premium, competitive and trusted product in domestic and global markets.”
The CGA Strategic Plan 2025–2030 is built on five strategic pillars
The first is strong foundations, which focuses on strengthening governance, financial sustainability and trust, and leading through crises.
Production excellence is dedicated to improving fruit quality consistency, supporting best-practice production, embracing innovation and reducing compliance burden for cherry growers.
The third pillar is growing demand, concentrating on increasing domestic consumption, highlighting the health benefits of cherries, and promoting Australian cherries nationally and internationally.
Under growing trade, the strategy will protect and improve existing export pathways and pursue new market access opportunities.
The final pillar, grow together, will centre on uniting Australian growers, fostering collaboration and ongoing industry engagement, and building industry capability.
CGA chief executive officer Penny Measham said the strategy reflects industry sentiment and a renewed focus on delivering measurable outcomes for growers.
“This plan sets clear priorities and targets for the next five years, aligned with our levy investment and industry needs,” Measham said.
“Our aim is to support growers to produce high-quality fruit more efficiently, build stronger markets, and ensure the Australian cherry industry remains resilient and profitable as conditions continue to change.”
The strategy includes key industry targets to be achieved by 2030, including increasing per capita cherry consumption by 50 per cent, increasing export volume by 50 per cent, achieving 90 per cent compliance with industry-agreed quality standards and increasing industry participation and engagement in national programmes.
Measham said launching the strategy at Cherry 2026 reinforced CGA’s commitment to working closely with growers, researchers, partners and governments. “Cherry 2026 brings together the ideas, research and partnerships shaping our future,” she said.
“This strategy ensures we move forward together, with a shared vision and a clear plan to deliver for industry.”
