The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has been awarded a $1.58 million grant from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to deliver the Export Readiness Pilot for First Nations Agriculture.
The project focuses on developing NLE’s Ngooka Honey and wattle seed enterprises while building pathways for more Indigenous producers to take their products to international markets.
NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the pilot would give Indigenous businesses the tools and knowledge needed to participate in global trade with confidence.
“We know there is strong demand for high-quality, sustainably produced Indigenous foods, particularly in Asia,” Mr Beattie said. “This project will make sure that First Nations producers are equipped to meet export requirements, while keeping culture and community at the heart of their enterprises.”
The pilot is built around three proof-of-concept projects. The first is a digital traceability system for honey, designed to meet export requirements in the European Union and Singapore. The second is focused on developing an export market wattle seed into Singapore. The third explores the planning and design of a facility for extraction, storage, manufacturing and packing - giving Indigenous producers greater control and ownership across the supply chain.
“This pilot project will give us a clear picture of what works, where the barriers are, and how we can create fair opportunities for Indigenous producers,” Mr Beattie said. “It’s about building a model that others can adopt and adapt for their own enterprises.”
Alongside the proof-of-concept work, the pilot delivers training, education and business development to strengthen Indigenous capability in export markets. This includes brand development, export strategies, and training programs on regulatory and technical requirements.
The project will also provide insights into the unique challenges faced by Indigenous businesses when entering export markets and make practical recommendations to support wider participation across the sector.
Mr Beattie said the long-term vision was to see more Indigenous ownership across the agricultural supply chain.
“By creating viable pathways to export, we’re helping Indigenous producers secure not only market access but also a stronger voice and role in shaping the future of Australian agriculture,” he said.
The Export Readiness Pilot will run until mid-2026, with outcomes expected to guide future initiatives supporting Indigenous agribusiness nationally.
