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Tasmanian Farmer article - March 2026
Fruit Growers Tasmania | Sunday, 1 March 2026, 7.00am
It has been a busy but productive start to 2026 for Fruit Growers Tasmania and our members.
In January, we officially launched the cherry export season with promotional events in Hong Kong and Taiwan. These events highlight the strong trade relationships Tasmanian growers have built across Asia.
We also had the pleasure of supporting the Tasmanian Government's inbound Fresh Produce Buyer visit. Importers from eight countries had the chance to meet growers and visit orchards and packing facilities, reinforcing the state’s reputation for premium quality.
This year’s summer season was anything but typical, with cooler conditions in early summer. This led to a later harvest for many across the state, with some of our fruit crops beginning two to four weeks later than average. This created some welcome opportunities, as the later season aligned perfectly with the later Lunar New Year allowing Tasmanian cherries to feature prominently in celebrations, with large, sweet and juicy fruit available into mid-February.
Fruit Growers Tasmania continues to be a strong voice for growers, recently lodging submissions to the independent review of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) and responding to the independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct, and the Australian Government move to increase fees and charges for exporters.
In February 2025, we led a detailed proposal to upgrade the TFES to provide immediate relief prior to the current review. Since 1 July 2025, Tasmanian businesses have benefitted from a 25 per cent increase in assistance under the scheme. We’re very proud to have been able to help businesses receive an additional $45 million in equalisation is 2025-26 and 2026-27 and will continue to work to ensure the TFES, as closely as practicable, equalises the sea freight disadvantage for shippers.
We were also delighted to launch the first online version of the Seasonal Produce Guide. The online guide features an interactive map, enabling locals and visitors alike to plan their visits directly by location. While 12,000 physical copies of the guide have been distributed throughout Tasmania, the online guide will allow travellers and locals to have the guide to hand at all times.
