The Tasmanian Fruit and Vegetable Export Facilitation Group was officially formed in April and morphed from the state government’s Tasmanian Fruit and Vegetable Industry Taskforce from 2013.

Mr Locke said the group wanted to be able to offer and explore new opportunities for the fruit and vegetable sector to take advantage of export opportunities.

“We want to look for and establish new markets and hopefully be able to establish a more direct producer to retailer supply chain,” he said.

He said the group did not want to address a “gap” but be able to seek new partnerships and offer those opportunities to the state’s horticulture industries.

One of the first ways the group will explore new markets will be by attending fruit and vegetable trade show Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong. Asia Fruit Logistica will be held on September 7-9.

Mr Locke said he would personally attend the trade expo alongside Fruit Growers Tasmania, who have been attending for several years.

“I had some feedback from Fruit Growers Tasmania that people were interested to know what other horticulture industries Tasmania had to offer, other than fruit,” Mr Locke said.

Mr Locke said the state had already great established relationships with many Asian countries with regard to fruit and other exports but he believed more opportunity existed for horticulture.

He said the benefits would speak for themselves.

“It’s all about the brand – we will never be the cheapest but we don’t have to be.”

The Tasmanian Fruit and Vegetable Export Facilitation Group will be holding information sessions across the state to engage with producers looking to learn more about export opportunities.

The sessions will be held on September 21 at the wharf precinct, Ulverstone; September 20 at the TFGA, Launceston and September 19 at Fruit Growers Tasmania, Hobart. All sessions will run from noon until 2pm.

For more information contact Ian Locke by email at ian.locke@tasfruitveggroup.com.au and include name, preferred session and contact details.