Cherry trade development project 2022-2025 (CY21001)

What was it all about?

This project strengthened Australia’s cherry export trade by giving growers practical, day‑to‑day support and clearer market intelligence, while also delivering longer‑term strategic direction for export growth.

The project helped growers navigate export requirements, stay informed during the season and build confidence to invest in export opportunities. Over the life of the project, cherry export volumes and value increased, and the total orchard area accredited for export also grew, showing continued grower commitment to export markets.

The project team provided hands‑on export services alongside trade development activities. It operated an export helpdesk, managed export accreditation for mainland growers and supported delivery in Tasmania, and represented the industry in key government and trade forums. It delivered in‑market promotion during harvest, when growers have limited capacity to market overseas, and supplied regular market intelligence, including weekly export statistics.

Key resources included an updated Cherry Export Manual, market reports, webinars, workshops, an importer database, access to MRL information, and the updated Cherry Export Strategy 2025–2030.

The project addressed the challenge of growing exports in a highly variable production environment, where weather events and compliance complexity can limit export readiness. Many growers already had export experience, but needed coordinated support to manage regulation, market access and fast‑moving trade conditions.

The outcomes will continue to support informed decision‑making, protect and grow market access, and guide future investment in quality, market development and export capability across the cherry industry.