Agribusiness

Victoria is Australia’s largest food and fibre exporter, and a centre for premium food and beverage products. Despite accounting for just three per cent of Australia’s landmass, our innovative and export-oriented agribusiness sector produces more than a quarter of the nation’s food and fibre exports. In 2023-24, Victoria’s total food and fibre exports grew to a record value of $20.1 billion, reaching the 2030 target set out in Strong, Innovative, Sustainable: A New Strategy for Agriculture in Victoria six years ahead of schedule. With the Victorian Industry Policy identifying food manufacturing as a priority sector, the Victorian Government will increase our support for Victorian exporters and innovators to build confidence operating in China and open doors for future collaboration.

China remains Victoria’s largest food and fibre export partner, with exports in this sector reaching almost $5 billion in 2023-24. Exports to China have increased in recent years and the Victorian Government is committed to supporting our producers and exporters to continue this growth.

Victoria works closely with Austrade through its TradeStart program to support our regional producers and exporters, while dedicated Victorian Government trade managers deliver personalised, one-on-one support for regional Victorian businesses to get export ready and extend their global reach.

Victoria is at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Australia, with a strong focus on productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness. AgTech is also central to Victoria’s strategy to adapt to climate variability and ensure food security. Through targeted funding and programs, the Victorian Government has supported producers to increase the adoption of digital tools, precision agriculture, and farm automation to reduce costs, increase yields, and make data-informed decisions. This includes technologies for water- efficient irrigation, low-emission fertilisers, carbon farming, and soil health monitoring – key to achieving our target of net zero emissions by 2045.

Victoria and China are developing solutions to climate-related agricultural challenges. China’s expertise in AgTech is growing strongly as it seeks to modernise and improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production systems. There are abundant opportunities to partner with Victoria’s world-leading institutions and precincts, including CSIRO’s National Food Innovation Centre, the Monash Food Innovation Centre, and La Trobe University’s AgriBio Centre in Bundoora. Knowledge exchange in climate adaptation strategies, carbon farming, and regenerative practices can further foster mutual prosperity through joint development of smart farming tools, projects in sustainable land and water use, and pilot programs for AgTech solutions.

China’s middle-class consumers are increasingly prioritising fresh and healthy produce, with emphasis on nutritional value, ingredient integrity, and products and brands that favour ethical and sustainable practices. Victoria’s premium product range is ideally equipped to service this demand: from premium and organic produce (including meat, dairy, fruits and seafood) to functional foods (e.g., royal jelly and medicinal honey) to value-added products (e.g., vacuum-packed goods, nutritional formula).The e-commerce market in China accounts for around half the world’s e-commerce sales and shapes industry and consumer behaviour. Major platforms in-market such as Alibaba and JD.com provide direct access to Chinese consumers. Victorian producers are well-positioned to make the most of Victoria’s reputation as a premium producer and AgTech innovator to better access China’s booming online promotional campaigns and direct-to-consumer e-commerce market.

Case Studies