Export 2030 - delivering fresh food fast : The opportunity to double high value food exports from Far North Queensland - Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia

Summary

The intent of this report was to identify opportunities to expand production growth and to broaden current export channels and markets for high value food products for FNQ. This included examining opportunities for value-added processing before export, which will reduce the effects of cyclical supply/demand impacts on grower returns, leading to more sustainable economic outcomes and stronger incentives for increased investment.

In conducting the research, the project focused on identifying, investigating, advancing and accelerating evidence-based opportunities for current and future export markets out of Northern Australia, particularly in relation to product leaving through FNQ via Cairns International Airport.

The focus was on high value perishable agricultural products that are viable for air freight export to priority international markets. This focused on four agricultural product categories that were analysed through the study. Additional high value products were considered and analysed at a high level, with the recognition that export opportunities are not and should not be limited to a finite list of products.

The primary export method addressed through the study was air freight from Cairns International Airport due to the time sensitive perishable nature of the high value products selected for analysis. Sea freight was also examined but was not the core focus of the study, including for example the chilled and frozen beef supply chain that is more conducive to sea freight given its prolonged shelf life and acknowledging the sugar industry sea freight exports from the FNQ region which contribute significantly to the region’s local economy and overall agricultural product export values.

Growth of agricultural exports from FNQ through enhanced supply chains

This project examined how Far North Queensland (FNQ) could significantly increase agricultural exports by strengthening regional supply chains and improving access to international markets. Building on the region’s strong agricultural production base, the study focused on identifying opportunities to expand high-value food exports through more efficient freight, logistics and export infrastructure. The research found that FNQ has substantial untapped export potential, particularly in Asian markets including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia. Analysis identified approximately $800 million in export opportunities across priority product categories including seafood, horticulture, tree crops, beef and vegetables, supported by growing demand for premium Australian food products. A key focus of the project was understanding why significant volumes of Queensland-grown agricultural products were being exported through ports and airports outside Queensland rather than directly from FNQ. The study identified opportunities to improve export efficiency, reduce freight costs and strengthen regional supply chains by increasing the use of Cairns as an export gateway. The project developed a roadmap to support the region’s “Export 2030” vision, including recommendations to secure additional air freight capacity, improve export readiness among producers, strengthen industry collaboration and support investment in enabling infrastructure such as the proposed Regional Trade Distribution Centre at Cairns Airport. By identifying practical actions to improve supply chain coordination and export capability, the project provided a pathway for FNQ producers, exporters and industry stakeholders to capture greater value from international markets, support regional economic growth and position Far North Queensland as a leading exporter of premium agricultural products to Asia.