Cherry Growers Australia Limited (CGA) is the national peak industry body representing Australian cherry growers. Headquartered in Mooroopna, Victoria, CGA serves as a not-for-profit, member-based organization that supports, advocates, and drives sustainable growth for the Australian cherry industry. As the unified voice of cherry producers, CGA plays a central role in promoting exports, coordinating research and development, and providing technical, regulatory, and commercial support across all major growing regions.
Core Mission
The core mission of Cherry Growers Australia is to provide national leadership for a profitable and sustainable cherry industry through strategic initiatives in market access, industry advocacy, biosecurity, research coordination, and grower support.
Key Functional Areas
1. Industry Representation and Advocacy
- National Advocacy: Liaises with federal and state governments, including the Department of Agriculture, to shape policy outcomes and funding for horticulture.
- Biosecurity Coordination: Collaborates with Plant Health Australia and other partners to ensure national readiness and on-farm compliance with pest and disease management protocols.
2. Research and Development (R&D)
- Hort Innovation Partnership: Manages industry R&D investment through Hort Innovation’s levy-funded programs.
- Data and Insights: Maintains benchmarking programs and variety performance analytics to help growers optimize productivity.
- Sustainability Projects: Coordinates climate resilience and water-use efficiency trials for cherry orchards.
3. Market Access and Export Facilitation
- Protocol Market Access Management: Leads industry consultations and technical submissions to expand international cherry export opportunities.
- Trade Missions and Promotions: Organizes Australian representation at Fruit Logistica (Germany), Asia Fruit Logistica, and in-market promotions in Vietnam, South Korea, and China.
- Export Registration and Audits: Supports growers and packers through seasonal export compliance processes, including registration with DAFF.
4. Industry Tools and Services
- CherryGrow Web Portal: Centralized resource for updates, technical documents, seasonal guides, and exporter tools.
- National Cherry Strategic Investment Plan (SIP): Outlines funding priorities and targets for yield, quality, market penetration, and environmental sustainability.
- Workshops and Field Days: Coordinates national learning events for best practices in IPM (Integrated Pest Management), postharvest handling, and new cultivar adoption.
Industry Statistics and Performance
- Cherry Industry Production (2022–23):
- Volume: Approx. 20,200 tonnes
- Value: AUD 236 million
- Export Share: Over 40% of Australian cherry production is exported annually.
- Top Export Markets: Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Arab Emirates.
- Number of Growers: Over 200 commercial cherry producers across Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, SA, WA.
- Peak Season: November to February (southern hemisphere summer)
Key Initiatives and Achievements
- Vietnam Market Access: Successfully negotiated cold treatment protocol access to Vietnam, increasing seasonal exports by over 300% between 2017 and 2022.
- Cherry Traceability Pilot: Launched traceability trials with GS1 Australia and funded by the Department of Agriculture’s Smart Trade Initiative.
- Sustainability Grant Acquisition: Secured federal grants for climate smart horticulture adaptation tools and orchard mapping.
- COVID-19 Industry Support: Coordinated grower resources and workforce support during pandemic-related border closures and labour shortages.
Target Stakeholders
- Cherry Growers and Orchard Managers
- Exporters and Packing Houses
- State and Federal Agriculture Departments
- Research Institutions and Agronomists
- International Importers and Retail Buyers
Capabilities
- Policy and Trade Negotiation Expertise: Serves on industry roundtables and working groups for export policy and plant health.
- Digital Resource Management: Hosts an online repository of growing guides, R&D outcomes, and market briefings.
- Certification Guidance: Provides seasonal checklists for ICA protocols, GlobalG.A.P. requirements, and phytosanitary documentation.
- Market Development Intelligence: Access to consumer trend data, in-market performance, and competitor benchmarking.
Certifications and Compliance
- Recognized Industry Representative by Hort Innovation and DAFF
- Member of Plant Health Australia
- Engaged in Export Accreditation Programs under DAFF
- Supports ICA and biosecurity compliance for growers and packers
Testimonials
“CGA has been instrumental in helping our family orchard break into new markets. Their support during audit season is invaluable.”
— Scott Brown, Cherry Grower, Young NSW
“Their leadership during COVID helped us retain staff and adapt our supply chain. They are a real backbone of the industry.”
— Helen Stuart, Operations Manager, Victorian Cherry Exporter
“Through CGA’s representation, we’ve secured better access to premium export markets. They bring credibility and strength to our industry voice.”
— Mark Gilmore, Cherry Producer, Tasmania
Major Achievements
- Grew cherry exports to over AUD 100 million in 2022–23
- Launched Cherry Export Manual and Compliance Guide used by 150+ growers
- Secured funding for 5-year National Cherry Market Access Roadmap
- Drove promotional campaigns in Asia leading to double-digit sales growth in Vietnam and Singapore
- Partnered with CSIRO and Hort Innovation for variety development trials in key regions
Cherry Growers Australia Limited continues to serve as the essential industry body for advancing the interests of cherry growers nationwide. With a strong focus on export growth, sustainability, innovation, and member advocacy, CGA remains at the forefront of ensuring a competitive and resilient Australian cherry industry.