Cherry Growers Australia is launching its national strategy at the Cherry 2026 conference in Adelaide

Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) has launched its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan at the Cherry 2026 National Cherry Industry Conference in Adelaide, setting the direction for a stronger, more productive and more sustainable Australian cherry industry.

The five-year strategy, unveiled during the three-day conference that brought together growers and industry leaders from across the country, outlines a clear national roadmap to improve productivity, increase demand, expand trade opportunities and unite the industry around shared priorities.

CGA Chair Alison Jones said the launch during Cherry 2026 reflected the very purpose of the conference: to grow, connect and lead the future of the Australian cherry industry.

A strategy for the future

"Cherry 2026 is about bringing our industry together to look ahead, and this strategy provides the framework for where we are heading over the next five years," Ms Jones said.

"It is a practical plan, focused on growers, that responds to the challenges we face while positioning Australian cherries as a high-quality, competitive and reliable product in domestic and global markets."

The CGA 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is built around five strategic pillars:

• Strong foundations: strengthen governance, financial sustainability and trust, and build the capacity to manage crises.
• Production excellence: improve fruit quality consistency, support best production practices, promote innovation and reduce the administrative burden on cherry growers.
• Grow demand: increase domestic consumption, highlight the health benefits of cherries and promote Australian cherries nationally and internationally.

Trade and shared growth

• Advance trade: protect and improve existing export channels and pursue new market access opportunities.
• Grow together: unite Australian growers, promote collaboration and ongoing industry engagement, and develop industry capabilities.

Dr Penny Measham, Chief Executive Officer of CGA, said the strategy reflects industry sentiment and a renewed focus on delivering measurable outcomes for growers.

"This plan sets out clear priorities and objectives for the next five years, aligned with our levy-funded investments and the needs of the industry," Dr Measham said.

Measurable targets by 2030

"Our goal is to support growers to produce high-quality fruit more efficiently, develop stronger markets and ensure that the Australian cherry industry remains resilient and profitable despite continually changing conditions."

The strategy includes key industry targets to be achieved by 2030, including:

• Increase the per capita consumption of cherries by 50%.
• Increase export volumes by 50%

Quality and national participation

• Achieve 90% compliance with agreed quality standards across the industry.
• Increase participation and industry engagement in national programs.

Dr Measham said launching the strategy at Cherry 2026 reinforces CGA's commitment to working closely with growers, researchers, partners and governments. "Cherry 2026 brings together the ideas, research and collaboration that will shape our future," she said.

"This strategy ensures that we move forward together, with a shared vision and a clear plan to deliver tangible outcomes for the industry."

Text and image source: CGA

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