Great potential in Maranoa exports

Food Leaders Australia is looking to the Maranoa to scout up-and-coming international exporters.

SUCCESS STORY: Bec Beissel from Maranoa Beef. Picture: Contributed

WESTERN Downs and Surat Basin producers are being urged to set their sights on overseas markets with the help of the Emerging Exporters program.

Food Leaders Australia is searching for the next cohort of food and agribusinesses to explore new market potential under the program.

Maranoa Beef's Bec Beissel said participating in the first round of the program brought major benefits to the Roma business.

"It's really brought our business forward to a lot of different networks we wouldn't have normally been exposed to,” Ms Beissel said.

"Even though in our business we're not ready for export in the short term, it's opened up opportunities on the domestic front, opportunities we wouldn't have been exposed to if not for the program.

"We've got a clear picture going forward of how to get ready for the export market, if that's the path we want to take.”

FLA export manager Gerry Doumany said the program answered the first question every potential exporting business asked: "How do we go about export and where do we start?”

"Through a tailored service delivery program, which includes capability assessments, targeted workshop program, one-on-one support and a trade mission, agribusinesses are given a sound insight into the export process before embarking on their export journey,” she said.

The Emerging Exporters Program, sponsored by QGC's Shell across the region, runs for three years and works with businesses from conception to completion in entering overseas markets.

A series of free information sessions will be held prior to the start of the program calling for expressions of interest.

Sessions will be held in Dalby, Chinchilla and Miles.

For information email geraldine@foodleadersaus. com.au.