MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 9 June 2026
Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) launched its Strategic Plan 2025–2030 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, was unveiled as growers and industry leaders from across the country gathered for the three-day conference, it outlines a clear national roadmap to improve productivity, grow demand, expand trade opportunities and unite the industry around shared priorities.
CGA Chair Alison Jones said the launch at Cherry 2026 reflected the purpose of the conference itself, to grow, connect and lead the future of the Australian cherry industry.
“Cherry 2026 is about bringing our industry together to look ahead, and this strategy provides the framework for where we are going over the next five years,” Ms. Jones said.
“It is a practical, grower-focused plan that responds to the challenges we face, while positioning Australian cherries as a premium, competitive and trusted product in domestic and global markets.”
The CGA Strategic Plan 2025–2030 is built on five strategic pillars:
- Strong Foundations – strengthening governance, financial sustainability and trust, and leading through crises.
- Production Excellence – improving fruit quality consistency, supporting best-practice production, embracing innovation and reducing compliance burden for cherry growers.
- Grow Demand – increasing domestic consumption, highlighting the health benefits of cherries, and promoting Australian cherries nationally and internationally.
- Grow Trade – protecting and improving existing export pathways and pursuing new market access opportunities.
- Grow Together – uniting Australian growers, fostering collaboration and ongoing industry engagement, and building industry capability.
CGA Chief Executive Officer Dr Penny Measham said the strategy reflects industry sentiment and a renewed focus on delivering measurable outcomes for growers.
“This plan sets clear priorities and targets for the next five years, aligned with our levy investment and industry needs,” Dr Measham said.
“Our aim is to support growers to produce high-quality fruit more efficiently, build stronger markets, and ensure the Australian cherry industry remains resilient and profitable as conditions continue to change.”
The strategy includes key industry targets to be achieved by 2030, including:
- Increasing per capita cherry consumption by 50%
- Increasing the volume of exports by 50%
- Achieving 90% compliance with industry-agreed quality standards.
- Increasing industry participation and 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 partnerships shaping our future,” she said.
“This strategy ensures we move forward together, with a shared vision and a clear plan to deliver for industry.”
Access the Cherry Growers Australia Strategic Plan 2025–2030 here.
Media contact:
Gita Ricca, Communications Officer
