GTA recently participated in a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) workshop on Market Co-ordination Strategy (MCS), which focuses on prioritising technical market access opportunities and improvements. The workshop brought together peak industry bodies to strengthen engagement with DAFF and share perspectives on improving processes.
One of the key issues raised was the average time for a technical market access outcome – 9.5 years. This reflects the complexity of negotiations, trading partner willingness, available resources, and broader commercial considerations. GTA also made clear that reducing this timeframe needs to be a clear objective for government and industry alike.
To build industry confidence and ensure effective use of export cost recovery funds – paid by GTA members.
GTA highlighted the need for:
- Greater transparency and communication with industry
- Engagement both before and after market discussions
- A clearer picture of DAFF resource availability.
GTA also recommended DAFF adopt a product development “pipeline” approach rather than the current binary prioritisation process. This would allow technical market access work to progress in stages and adapt to changing conditions, ensuring “more than one iron in the fire.”
Finally, GTA stressed that technical market access should be a regular and early agenda item at industry consultation meetings (known as “GPPEICC”) to ensure consistent focus and stronger alignment between government and industry.
