Agrifood sector at centre of new Trade Diversification Network

The federal government has established a new Trade Diversification Network (TDN), consisting of 40 peak industry bodies, as part of its $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI). The member groups will work to bring government and industry closer together, and partner on initiatives that help exporters diversify into new and emerging global markets.

With 32 per cent of Australia’s economic output supported by trade, ANMI will help to build the capability needed to support future export growth and trade resilience across a wide range of sectors.

The network will work with government to identify and develop tailored activities such as trade missions, training and showcases to facilitate export diversification, enabling businesses to take advantage of emerging opportunities globally.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, said with a quarter of Australian jobs connected to trade, supporting the nation’s exporters benefits the economy.

“Australia is a trading nation and we want to see more Australian exporters doing more trade with new and emerging partners across the globe in places like the Middle East and Southeast Asia,” said Farrell.

“The Trade Diversification Network is a great example of government and industry working together to achieve a common goal: seeing Australian businesses diversify, grow, and build resilience.”

The agrifood sector makes up the largest proportion of member groups, considering around 70 per cent of Australia’s total agricultural production is exported. Following a competitive application process, the selected agrifood member groups include;

• Abalone Council Australia
• Almond Board of Australia
• Australian Cotton Shippers Association
• Australian Distillers Association
• Australian Food and Grocery
• Australian Grape & Wine
• Australian Macadamia Society
• Australian Meat Industry Council
• Australian Organic Limited
• Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association
• Australian Table Grape Association
• Australian Wagyu Association
• Australian Walnut Industry Association
• AUSVEG
• Grain Trade Australia
• Grains Australia
• Infant Nutrition Council
• National Farmers Federation
• Pet Food Industry Association of Australia
• Private Label Manufacturers Association Australia/New Zealand
• Seafood Industry Australia
• WoolProducers Australia

Australian Organic Limited CEO, Jackie Brian, said the appointment recognises the strength of Australia’s organic certification system and the sector’s global potential.

“Australian Organic Limited has an ambition to double the value of organic exports by 2032 and this initiative with Austrade will be integral to us achieve this goal,” said Brian.

“Australian certified organic businesses are seeing strong overseas demand for trusted and healthy premium products, grown with care for the environment and backed by robust certification. Through the TDN, we’ll work with Austrade to convert that demand into real export wins by opening doors to buyers, building market pathways, and helping more Australian certified organic producers succeed internationally.”

Multi-sectoral bodies including Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Export Council of Australia are also represented in the TDN.

Ai Group chief executive, Innes Willox, said exporters who successfully diversify into new markets don’t just secure their own business – they create jobs, strengthen supply chains and build Australia's economic resilience.

“Trade volatility isn't going away. The tariff tensions, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty we're seeing globally mean Australian exporters can't afford to put all their eggs in one basket. Market diversification isn't optional anymore – it's essential for survival,” said Willox.

“Ai Group represents exporting businesses across diverse sectors in the Australian economy. We bring more than 30 years of experience delivering government-funded export programs, and we’ll leverage this expertise alongside our international partnerships to connect Australian exporters with real opportunities in high-growth markets.”

The full list of member bodies and more information about the ANMI is available at austrade.gov.au.