What was it all about?

This project followed on from Developing and maintaining market access for Australian cherries (CY11017) to continue market access and development for the industry.

Australia’s cherry exports increased from about 1200 tonnes worth $25 million per annum in 2011/12 to an estimated 5600 tonnes worth $77 million in 2015/16 and are forecast to grow another 5000 to 6000 tonnes to eclipse a value of $150 million by 2020. Growth of the industry has made it imperative to improve commercial opportunities in regulated and unregulated export markets. Currently, cherry exports reach about 30 of an identified 70 potential markets.

Work within this project included input to an updated cherry export manual and integrated pest and disease management calendar, development of a Biosecurity Management Program and Framework, representation of the Australian industry at international trade fairs and other key events, and investigation of future grower study tours to export markets.

Work was carried out with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on a feasibility study into an export registration system for Australian growers. This was set up for the 2015/16 season and planned for the 2016/17 season. The project provided strategic direction for the industry to increase exports by 40 to 50 per cent in the period 2017-2020, improve airfreight access to all importing markets, ensure commercially viable protocols are in place, and provide tools for market negotiations.

This project also resulted in the development of the Australian Cherry Export Plan (June 2016), which focuses on accessing and growing key cherry markets. Export materials remain available from Cherry Growers Australia.