Japanese fresh produce buyers will meet with leading growers and experience Australia’s world-class horticulture offering during an inbound trade mission to boost business connections and relationships between the two nations.

The senior representatives from key Japanese companies will arrive in Australia on Sunday as part of the Australia-Japan Horticulture Showcase initiative, funded by Hort Innovation’s Frontiers investment program and a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Showcasing Australian Horticulture Grant.

Commencing in Melbourne before travelling to Mundubbera, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour and Sydney, the Japanese delegation will visit growing regions and see some of the country’s leading vegetable, fruit and nut growing businesses in action, while gaining a greater understanding of Australia’s innovative horticulture production systems.

Japan is Australia’s fourth largest trading partner for horticulture exports, currently valued at $154 million annually.

Hort Innovation general manager for trade and biosecurity Dr Mila Bristow said developing stronger relationships and business ties between Australia and Japan will benefit both nations.  

“This mission is an important opportunity to showcase all that Australian horticulture has to offer Japan – which is a very important and highly valued market for our exporters,” said Dr Bristow.

“Through supporting connection, sharing knowledge and promoting mutual understanding, there is serious scope to increase the volume and value of Australia’s horticultural exports to Japan, and enhance our two-way trading partnership.”

The mission forms part of a broader program aimed at bolstering the trade relationship between Australia and Japan through a series of inbound and outbound activities, delivered through Hort Innovation in partnership with AUSVEG and the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance.

AUSVEG chief executive Michael Coote said initiatives like the trade mission had the potential to present new opportunities for Australian growers in the Japanese market.

“Building on and strengthening relationships is a fundamentally important part of realising growth opportunities in the Japanese market,” said Mr Coote.

“Partnerships between government and industry are also vital to allow growers to strengthen linkages with Japan through events, farm visits and forums to promote those stronger relationships – so initiatives like this mission are critical to industry growth.”

The trip will finish off with a Knowledge Exchange Forum and Horticulture Produce Showcase to continue the two-way dialogue and share important levy-funded research initiatives underway to ensure Australia delivers the safest, highest quality and freshest produce to trading partners.