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4 June 2024
Western Australian agrifood export eNews
This winter Western Australian consumers are being encouraged to support small businesses and local producers across the State by dining out.
Winter is abundant with seasonal and affordable WA produce, but the cold weather can deter people from leaving the comfort of home.
Plating Up WA is an initiative of the State Government's Buy West Eat Best program and aims to help ramp up businesses at local pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants during June - one of the quietest months of the year for the food service and hospitality sector.
As a special incentive for customers, more than 45 venues across the State will feature 'hero dishes' on their menus using WA's finest winter ingredients such as warm WA potatoes, crisp carrots, butter beans, truffles, WA rock lobster, Wagin duck and Margaret River Wagyu.
Source: WA Government | Image: Plating Up WA
Less than two weeks to go! Apply now for the 2024 Western Australian (WA) Export Awards.
Managed by Invest and Trade WA, the annual program acknowledges the success of local exporters alongside their contribution to international markets for over three decades.
As we embark on 36 years of recognition, the program honours individual accomplishments and inspires the growth of innovation throughout WA.
At its core, the WA Export Awards embodies the commitment of the WA Government to fostering growth in the exports sector, diversifying the economy and creating local jobs. Last financial year, WA's exported merchandise was valued at $275.1 billion, accounting for 46% of Australia's total goods exports.
WA business can enter in 13 different award categories including: Agribusiness, Food and Beverages; Advanced Technologies; International Education and Training; Resources and Energy; Manufacturing and Advanced Materials; Regional Exporter; and Small Business.
The WA Export Awards 2024 Gala Dinner will be held in September where winners will be announced along with the WA Exporter of the Year. Winners of each category will advance to the National awards in Canberra.
Take your business to a global scale and submit your application before Friday 14 June for the 2024 WA Export Awards. We look forward to seeing you there.
Source and Photo: Invest and Trade WA
Australian honey producers can now export their products to Vietnam, thanks to a new market access agreement. This is a significant win for the $14 billion Australian honey industry.
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, highlighted the positive impact on the industry, stating that Australia’s honey industry is a huge contributor to the Australian economy and exports to Vietnam will further contribute to its success. The first ten shipments have already reached Vietnam, demonstrating the strong initial demand.
Vietnam's growing economy and food industry present a golden opportunity for Australian honey. Minister Watt emphasised that Vietnam's rising incomes and a growing food manufacturing sector will fuel the demand for high-quality honey in the coming years.
Source: Australian Minister Murray Watt | Photo: DPIRD
International trade in food has helped to reduce global poverty and hunger. However, illicit trade in food and food fraud undermine the global food system and endanger public health. A new World Trade Organisation (WTO) publication released last week looks into the challenges of combating illicit practices, such as smuggling and counterfeiting.
From farm to table, the global agrifood sector is unfortunately vulnerable to criminal activity. Illicit trade and food fraud not only impact our wallets, but also pose a significant threat to public health and erode consumer trust. Estimates suggest this criminal activity costs the food industry a staggering US$30-50 billion annually. This doesn't even account for illicit trade in alcoholic beverages.
The consequences of food fraud are far-reaching:
- Consumers: We face potential health risks from adulterated or contaminated food. Even non-harmful fakes that lack advertised ingredients erode trust in the food chain.
- Businesses: Legitimate companies lose sales and consumer confidence due to unfair competition from fraudulent products.
- Governments: Tax evasion from illicit trade reduces revenue, while the fight against these crimes adds further costs.
The WTO says ensuring a safe and secure food supply requires vigilance from all stakeholders.
Source and Image: WTO
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2024.
