The airfreight environment is changing rapidly and we must all become more agile and innovative in response to the ongoing COVID-19 challenges, the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) Secretariat said yesterday.  Businesses are being encouraged to seek out fact-based information to support effective decision-making and planning, when it comes to their airfreight needs.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is continuing to provide valuable information on the aviation industry’s response to COVID-19 and is a great resource for businesses that rely on airfreight.

Some interesting information from IATA Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Alexandre de Juniac, in response to a recent briefing by IATA’s Chief Economist, Brian Pearce, includes:

• The year 2020 saw the biggest fall in demand ever for global aviation, and any recovery stalled in November.
• International passenger demand was down by 75 per cent, domestic demand by nearly half.
• Air cargo fared better, with the decline limited to 10 per cent, making it a revenue lifeline for many airlines and routes.

Businesses can sign up for free access to IATA updates on key regional and industry-wide initiatives and information on upcoming events and training courses.

Full details on the latest IFAM outbound and inbound flights are available on the IFAM website.

Exporters should speak to their freight forwarder and visit the IFAM website for further assistance. If you have any questions or need more information, please email Airfreight@austrade.gov.au, or Austrade State Director WA, Jane Caforio, at jane.caforio@austrade.gov.au.  More...  Source:  Austrade / IATA  |  Photo:  Emirates

In Morocco, demand for top-quality beef is rising, despite high local tariffs, Austrade reports in its latest Middle East and Africa update for Australian exporters.

A local importer is about to launch an online delivery platform of high-end beef to final consumers, the first of this kind in the market. It will also supply top-end food service facilities in the country.

Market research suggests the emergence of an affluent market segment, willing to pay for Australian Angus and Wagyu. Currently, meat tariffs can vary from 10 per cent on beef patties to 200 per cent on prime cuts.  More...  Source:  Austrade  |  Photo:  DPIRD 

Are trade barriers getting in the way of doing business?  Make sure you register them at the National Trade Barriers Register (TBR).

The TBR was created to serve and support the Australian trading community.  As a strong trading nation, Australian trade is vital for the strength and prosperity of the economy.  Exporters and importers have benefitted from the opportunities provided by the removal and reduction of tariffs.

The TBR is an initiative of the Export Council of Australia, Food Innovation Australia Limited and the Industry Growth Centres who were aware of the growing number of trade barriers that emerged through international trade and sought to do something about it.

The TBR allows Australian businesses to share their experiences so trends can be established and analysed, allowing substantive policy action to be taken.  More...  Related:  Trade Barriers Register video  |  Source & Photo:  TBR

Overseas consumers eager for natural products in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic have helped boost New Zealand's honey export revenue by 20 per cent to NZ$425 million in the year to 30 June 2020, the country's Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says.

“The results from the latest Ministry for Primary Industries’ 2020 Apiculture Monitoring Report highlight the potential for honey and other natural products,” Mr O’Connor said.

“By adhering to high standards we can help drive more value for Kiwi exporters and their products.” 

High industry standards and the quality of Western Australian honey make it an attractive export product much like our New Zealand neighbour’s. Indeed, positive gains were echoed in the State's export success. In 2019-20 WA honey exports totaled $12.8 million, a year-on-year increase of 147 per cent from the $5.2 million exported in 2018-2019.

The largest market was China, taking up 64 per cent of the market share and purchasing $8.1 million worth of WA honey exports. The next largest were Japan and Mauritius, each accounting for 8 per cent, or $1.1 million in 2019-20.  More...  Source:  Government of New Zealand / DPIRD |  Photo:  DPIRD

Reforms to Saudi Arabia's barley market rules could benefit Australian exporters, Austrade reports in a recent market insight.

Purchasing responsibilities, until now singularly vested in the government-owned Saudi Arabia Grains Organisation (SAGO), are gradually being reallocated to private entities, with first orders from the private sector taking place in the current quarter.

Austrade advisors in the country’s capital, Riyadh, say greater flexibility in the market will create new opportunities, especially for mid-tier and smaller Australian exporters. There is also reason to believe companies can do well in the opening market, with Austrade citing the success of two Australian entities in the latest – and perhaps final – SAGO tender in January this year.

Australian exporters can build on these existing relationships in Saudi Arabia, the third largest importer of barley in the world.

Austrade has committed to working with SAGO and industry experts in briefing existing and potential exporters to Saudi Arabia, as well as helping exporters identify market opportunities.

For the latest updates, Australian barley growers and exporters are encouraged to contact Austrade’s Investment Manager in Riyadh, Mohsen.El-Bahaie@austrade.gov.au.  More...  Source:  Austrade  |  Photo:  DPIRD

Australian agriculture needs an additional $7.5 billion of capital investment per year in order to reach the National Farmers’ Federation’s target of farm gate output worth $100 billion by 2030.

That’s according to a new report commissioned by AgriFutures Australia. The study revealed that Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries need $8.7 billion of annual investment for the next nine years to meet the NFF’s 2030 target.

Currently, the industry attracts around $1.2 billion of investment per year, with farm gate output valued at $63 billion. Data modelled in the report shows that current investment in agriculture could limit the growth of the industry to just $84 billion in farm gate value by 2030.

The report written by Natural Capital Economics warns that without a significant increase in private sector and government investment, agriculture would fall well short of its potential economic value.

John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, said that attracting sufficient capital is critical for fuelling growth.

“From purchasing machinery, to expanding production, to adopting new farming practices and innovating – access to capital is critical,” he stated. 

Mr Harvey said that while Australia is regarded as a global leader in agtech research and innovation, farmers needed better access to capital in order to deploy technology at a paddock level.  More...  Source:  AgriFutures Australia  |  Photo:  DPIRD

A $1.5 million collaboration between Indigenous Traditional Owners and Custodians and the University of Queensland (UQ) will boost the burgeoning bushfood industry, and create long-lasting Indigenous businesses.

The Australian Research Council-funded five-year project, A Deadly Solution: Towards an Indigenous-led bushfood industry, will see researchers work with Indigenous communities to commercialise native bushfoods and ornamental plants.

The project features ethnobotanist and Mbabaram Elder, Gerry Turpin and a team of academics, community members and business owners led by UQ Adjunct Professor Dale Chapman, an Indigenous chef, and Chief Executive Officer of My Dilly Bag.

“There are plenty of great bushfoods out there that most people have never heard of, seen or tasted,” Adjunct Professor Chapman said.

“So we’re thrilled to be working hand-in-hand with Indigenous communities to get them into the marketplace, marrying Traditional Knowledge with Western science.

“Together we’ll be developing exciting – and delicious – native Australian bushfoods, while creating sustainable, intergenerational Indigenous businesses.  More...  Related:  The push to get bush food into 'everyone's pantry'  Source:  ABC News  |  Source and Photo:  UQ [A selection of Indigenous wild fruits, including quandong, desert limes, finger limes and lemon aspens]