A delegation of 40 representatives from 12 countries visited southern Queensland in 2025 as part of the annual Reverse Trade Mission, organised by Ausveg and Austrade. The mission offered participants the opportunity to tour vegetable production regions, meet growers, and explore Australian horticultural infrastructure.
The group visited farms and facilities across St George, Lockyer Valley, and the Scenic Rim, observing operations at vegetable production sites, an irradiation centre, and a smart farm. Delegates also toured retail outlets including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and Harris Farm Markets.
© Austrade
On the final day, attendees participated in a Knowledge Exchange Breakfast Forum supported by the Australia-Japan Horticulture Showcase and sampled produce at the Ausveg Fresh Produce Showcase. The mission concluded with the Hort Connections 2025 conference, where delegates engaged with suppliers and industry representatives.
This year marked the tenth collaboration between Ausveg and Austrade on the trade mission. According to organisers, the partnership combines Ausveg's industry connections with Austrade's overseas trade networks to support Australian horticultural exporters. Funding for the mission is sourced from vegetable, onion, and melon industry levies through Hort Innovation.
Over the past decade, international buyers have visited growing regions in Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Countries represented include those from Northeast Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia (excluding Vietnam). The in-person engagement allows importers to gain a better understanding of Australia's agricultural systems and practices.
Among the businesses visited was Qualipac, a fourth-generation family farm based in the Lockyer Valley. Qualipac grows broccoli, onions, and pumpkins and exports to Japan, Korea, and Singapore. Company director Troy Qualischefski noted that face-to-face meetings with international buyers provide insights into consumer demand and allow for discussions about potential market-specific adaptations.
According to data from the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook (2023–24), the vegetable sector contributes approximately $5.7 billion to Australia's horticulture industry, which is valued at $16.98 billion overall. In 2023–24, vegetable exports were valued at more than $325 million, an increase from the previous year.
Australia exports about 70% of its agricultural, fisheries, and forestry products. Alongside exports, the country also contributes to regional food systems by sharing research, technical knowledge, and industry practices.
Organisers of the mission noted its role in building long-term relationships between growers and importers, and in supporting regional businesses engaged in the export supply chain.
For more information:
Austrade
Tel: +61 2 9392 2873
Email: [email protected]
www.austrade.gov.au
