The Australian berry industries are in a period of continuing production growth and many in the industry (including the Hort Innovation SIP documents) predict they are approaching domestic market saturation. The consequence of oversupply will be downward pressure on domestic market prices and therefore an overall reduction in the profitability of the industry.

Currently, only a very small percentage of each berry crop is exported to international markets however with targeted intervention, there is an opportunity to increase trade and ensure a positive future for the industry.

The overall objective of this project is to proactively manage market access and trade development for the berry industries so that an increasing volume of product can be moved offshore, over time, at sustainable prices. By fostering a well-educated, well-resourced, export-focused cohort the berry industries will be able to remove product from the domestic market and alleviate saturation.

All berry growers will benefit from this project; exporters will receive the advice and assistance they need to grow their international business and non-exporters will benefit from stabilisation of the domestic market.

To achieve these objectives, the project proposes five pillars:

1. EXPORT READINESS AND CAPACITY BUILDING
2. TRADE DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET ACCESS
3. RISK MANAGEMENT
4. COMMUNICATION
5. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Through a series of targeted and professionally designed activities, the project will improve grower’s understanding of export opportunities, enhance grower’s ability to engage in export supply chains and empower the industry to provide clear advice to government on market access and trade development priorities. It will also mean future levy-funded projects designed to support market access and trade development will be better informed and be rich in technical detail, therefore delivering a better return on investment.