It comes as ‘Gunnible’ orchard owner Rob Hoddle prepares to export his first load of oranges to China as a trial, following a visit from a Chinese delegation to the farm in May.

“The Chamber is very pleased to have assisted the Hoddle family to make the connection with international markets and customers are hopeful that this year’s trial of exporting small volumes of oranges to China will be only the beginning of a long-term trade relationship,” Chamber President Jamie Chaffey said.

“I have been encouraged by comments from international visitors around the quality of businesses they have toured and the potential for trade in many different commodities that may be available in the near future.”

The Hoddles expect to harvest 1600 tonnes of oranges for mostly the domestic market and are now in their first year of trialling packing equipment on site.

Mr Hoddle, who recently joined the chamber, which has seen an increase in agri-business membership in the past six months, said the organisation has proved positive and supportive.

Mr Chaffey is urging farmers to work together as a business community and tap into opportunities, particularly in China, South Korea and Japan due to tariff changes and the new China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. 

Gunnedah Deputy Mayor Gae Swain is also excited by future opportunities for local agri-businesses.

“It’s certainly the way as a community we need to be going. We need a diverse economy but also build on what’s already here.”