Table grape export readiness and market access (TG17000)

What was it all about?

From 2017 until 2020, this investment continued industry work into market access and development, in collaboration with a sister project delivered by KPMG In market insights and emergency scenario planning (TG17000). The project provided a point of contact for growers, exporters and others looking for expert industry advice in relation to the export of Australian table grapes, and was responsible for disseminating relevant information, including season updates and data on shipping and market conditions.

Project activities ensured that a cohesive approach was taken by the table grape industry towards export and market access. During the timeframe of the project, the table grape industry has experienced a 43 per cent increase in export volume, 65 per cent increase in export value and a 67 per cent increase in unit price.

Specific activities included, but weren’t limited to:

• Input into the maintenance of the industry’s export strategy (and future strategies), detailing market access, improvement and development priorities.
  
  
• Work to develop export training materials for growers and exporters, aligned to the export strategy, as well as maintenance of online training for crop monitors. This included export workshops to keep growers and exporters informed; increased workshop attendance by 35 per cent each year reflects increased awareness of the program and its relevance to stakeholders.
  
  
• Input into the development of Export Quality Standards.
  
  
• Continued facilitation of the logistics involved in export, including the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ registration and audit of export facilities. Improved adherence to existing protocols for China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand has been achieved through the established export registration program which included educational workshops and materials and the development and use of an export registration software. Growing confidence in the overall export registration system conducted by ATGA in collaboration with DAWE is evidenced by increased registration rates by 15 per cent each year.
  
  
• Other activities to develop and maintain new and existing markets, including coordination of inbound and outbound trade missions and participation in international trade shows.