Calling Western Downs agribusinesses eager to grow

Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program, which TSBE Food Leaders Australia delivers, has laid the foundation for local businesses to successfully seize opportunities.

Now, Shell QGC and TSBE Food Leaders Australia are seeking Western Downs agribusinesses wanting to grow their businesses domestically and explore market trends to apply for the AgriEmerging Markets Program (Agri EMP).

With guidance and leadership needed more than ever to meet sustainable market demands, Western Downs businesses will learn how these requirements are affecting their supply chains and how to capitalise on value-add opportunities.

TSBE agribusiness development manager Rowie Beveridge said the AgriEmerging Markets Program was designed to complement business development already achieved through the Shell QGC Emerging Exporters Program (EEP) but would follow a new and refreshed direction.

“The program aims to assist Western Downs agribusinesses to identify business development goals, as well as grasp evolving domestic and global supply chain obligations and seize opportunities,” Rowie said.

“EEP was developed five years ago and, since its conception, the agribusiness landscape has significantly transformed to incorporate a strong focus on sustainability, which is now at the core of Agri EMP deliverables.”

Four Daughters Beef owner Karen Penfold attributes some of their biggest business achievements to their participation in the Shell QGC Emerging Exporters Program.

“We joined the 2019 cohort with the goal of strengthening our business to provide our four daughters commercial opportunities and we did just that by attending workshops, one-on-one and business coaching opportunities,” Karen said.

“The networks built and the guidance offered in the program are exceptional and we strongly encourage businesses to participate in the AgriEmerging Markets Program.”

Jim’s Jerky CEO Emily Pullen echoes Four Daughter’s praise of the program as Jim’s Jerky was part of the first ever Shell QGC Emerging Exporters Program cohort in 2018.

“The program lay the foundations for Jim’s Jerky export opportunities and we are very excited to share our recent news that our product is inbound to hit shelves across Asia,” Emily said.

“Our export success would not be possible without the mentorship and guidance offered to us by Shell QGC and TSBE.”

For more information about the AgriEmerging Markets Program visit https:// www.tsbe.com.au/agriemerging-marketsprogram.