Industry forum: help desk for member traders

The AHEA Annual Industry Forum took place this year in Melbourne on 18 August, seeing attendance figures well above those of last year. The Annual AHEA Industry Forum is designed to connect and update members and industry on the state of the global market and hear directly from the various government departments on how they are working with the horticulture industry in developing trade, giving them the information, tools and developments to assist them in their daily operations.

Over the past twelve months, the peak national Australian exporter body, Australian Horticultural Exporters Association (AHEA), restructured its Victorian based association that was formed in 1986 to become the national representative body (not for profit). AHEA continues to represent horticultural exports however now includes imports into its market access and trade discussions under its new constitution, promoting the trade of horticultural produce both ways.

The quality of the speakers was very high and covered the new approach by the Department of Agriculture in working with industry to capture premium agriculture markets and ensuring a stronger Biosecurity system under the new Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. Under this strategy it will be important that the government works with the commercial industry on ensuring that the points of difference in proximity are taken advantage of, in particular in developing airfreight markets. The focus on Biosecurity will be enhancing traceability, presenting opportunities for the government and industry to work with companies such as AHEA to develop standards in exports and also ensure imports are not unduly restricted.

The lower value of the Australian dollar coupling with the recent three FTAs signed with Japan, Korea and China is corresponding with renewed increases in export of fresh fruit and vegetables as it allows Australia to trade on a more equal footing so we are more price competitive. The AHEA congratulated the Department of Foreign Affairs for the positive results. For the coming season, the full effect of the currency should be felt for the whole season across all commodities.

An in-depth report was also provided to AHEA Members and presented to the Industry Forum for fresh fruit and vegetables year ending June 2015 where exports increased 8% to A$802M while imports increased 11 per cent to A$429M, bringing a two way trade to $1.23 billion. Tablegrapes and citrus have continued to dominate the export category accounting for 80 per cent of the total volume exported, 71 per cent by value. It was also noted that higher unit values were seen for products including cherries, peaches and nectarines, mangoes and strawberries with a volume gain of around 30 per cent. The loss of Vietnam however did temper the overall growth, particularly tablegrapes which accounted for 80 per cent of the fruit trade to Vietnam.

Australia exports of vegetables increased 1.1% by volume to 161,175 tonnes worth A$172.3 million. Almost 50 per cent of the volumes were carrots, followed by onions and potatoes. Asparagus remaining the third largest export by value.

The general consensus from the delegates was that the Industry Forum was well organised, interesting and informative with plenty of networking opportunities.

For more information:
Michelle Christoe
Australian Horticultural Exporters Association (AHEA)
Email: michellec@ahea.com.au
www.ahea.com.au