Australian horticulture has reinforced its long-term commitment to China, with Horticulture Innovation Australia and the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce signing a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen industry collaboration, knowledge exchange and supply chain connections between the two countries.

Signed at the China Australian Horticulture Showcase Gala Dinner in Shanghai, the agreement reflects the strong and longstanding relationship between Australian and Chinese horticulture industries, while establishing a framework for ongoing cooperation, industry engagement and shared learning across the supply chain.

China is Australia’s largest horticulture export market, valued at $1.26 billion and accounting for 36 per cent of Australia’s total horticulture export value (YE April 2026). The market plays an important role for Australian growers and exporters, with demand for premium, high-quality produce creating opportunities across a range of horticultural categories.

Hort Innovation Chief Executive Officer Brett Fifield said the agreement recognised the importance of maintaining strong industry connections in a dynamic and evolving market: “China remains a strategically important market for Australian horticulture, and the relationships developed between our industries over many years continue to play an important role in supporting trade and mutual understanding.”

“Our industries are highly complementary, and Australia’s reputation for safe, premium and counter-seasonal produce continues to create value for growers, exporters and customers in both countries.

“This agreement with CFNA reflects a shared commitment to maintaining strong industry connections and supporting ongoing collaboration between Australian and Chinese horticulture.”

The agreement builds on many years of engagement between Australian and Chinese horticulture stakeholders, with a focus on improving market understanding, supporting capability development and strengthening connections across the horticulture supply chain.

Today, around 18 Australian horticultural commodities have access to mainland China, with the market continuing to represent an important destination for Australian produce.

Fresh Produce Group Executive Chairman and table grape grower Anthony Poiner said access to international markets, supported by strong industry relationships, created greater choice and confidence for Australian growers.

“For growers, maintaining access to important markets such as China is about more than a single season. It gives us greater options for our produce, strengthens our understanding of what customers are looking for and supports the confidence to keep investing in our businesses,” Mr Poiner said.

 “Strong relationships across industry, government and the supply chain are critical to maintaining that access and building sustainable opportunities over the long term.”

 The China Horticulture Showcase Gala Dinner brought together growers, exporters, government representatives and industry leaders from Australia and China to exchange insights, celebrate industry connections and discuss the future of horticultural trade between the two countries.

 The Gala Dinner forms part of a broader series of industry engagement activities taking place across China and Hong Kong, supporting Australian horticulture’s ongoing focus on market development, industry relationships and export opportunities.

About Hort Innovation:  

Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) is a not-for-profit, grower-owned research and development corporation (RDC) for Australia’s $18.4 billion horticulture industry. It invests around $171 million in research and development and marketing programs annually to provide benefit to the 37 industry levies it supports and the wider community. 

 About Australian horticulture in China

• Australian horticulture exports to China were valued at $1.26 billion in the year ending April 2026, an increase of 12.2 per cent year on year.

   

• China is Australia's largest horticulture export market, accounting for 36 per cent of Australia's total horticulture export value.

   

• Almonds are Australia's leading horticulture export to China, representing approximately 66 per cent of export value, followed by table grapes (9 per cent) and oranges (7 per cent).

   

• Around 18 Australian horticultural commodities currently have access to mainland China, spanning fruit, vegetable and nut industries.

   

• Australian produce is valued for its quality, food safety, provenance and counter-seasonal supply, creating opportunities for growers and exporters across a range of categories.