Growers with global ambitions have been given a valuable look at practical ways to take advantage of booming overseas markets through the levy-funded Australian Vegetable Export Seminar, held on Monday 18 June.

The Seminar featured expert speakers sharing their knowledge on how to successfully build the relationships with international contacts that are crucial to successfully breaking into export markets, including:

• David McKinna (McKINNA et al) sharing his experience from over 30 years of consultancy in the agri-food sector, including the development of the Vegetable Industry Export Strategy 2020.
• Diane Tipping (Export Council of Australia) who has had a long and varied career in trade promotion and facilitation and works closely with AUSVEG to deliver the Export Readiness Training Program.
• David Daniels (Citrus Australia) giving his insights from his experience in market access and sharing his passion for enhancing Australia’s food safety reputation.
• Richard Birtill (Momack Produce) sharing knowledge from his work as export co-ordinator for Australia’s largest asparagus export company, as well as his experience with other commodities.
• Jenny Van de Meeberg (Hort Innovation) returning in a new role after her appearances at previous export seminars as Senior Trade Advisor at Austrade.
• Ryan Densley and Nick Paterniti, growers from around Australia giving their knowledge about the export process and succeeding in international markets.

The Seminar also featured the presentation of the NAB Exporter of the Year Award, which recognises a vegetable or potato grower who has demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting and who has contributed to activities that help the entire industry increase its export capabilities.

This year, the award went to Dicky Bill Australia, a fourth-generation farm business specialising in baby leaf salads. Ryan McLeod and Hugh Reardon have diversified Dicky Bill’s business operations to supply Asian and Middle Eastern markets, and have been great contributors to the industry’s overall export capacity, including their help in hosting the AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission.

We’ve collected some photos from the event below, so take a look!

For more information on exporting in the Australian vegetable industry, see the export section of our website.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 21 June 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!