Gippsland’s peak agribusiness body Food & Fibre Gippsland (F&FG) is preparing to unveil a new three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening the region’s food and fibre industries and positioning Gippsland as a national leader in sustainable production.
The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, due for release in coming weeks, follows months of consultation with industry, government and community stakeholders. It sets out a renewed direction for the organisation focused on collaboration, innovation and long-term growth across agriculture, horticulture and related sectors.
F&FG says the plan reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing Gippsland producers, from global market pressures and supply chain changes to increasing demand for traceable, high-quality regional products.
Central to the strategy is a commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable organisation, including a stronger business model, a more diverse revenue base and greater transparency and accountability. The plan also aims to embed a culture of continuous improvement to ensure the organisation can deliver consistent outcomes for members and partners.
A key feature of the new approach is the introduction of a revised membership model designed to be clearer and better aligned with industry needs.
The structure will offer tiered general memberships based on business size, alongside corporate partnership options that provide networking opportunities, event involvement and co-branding opportunities across the organisation’s calendar.
Local government authorities will also be offered strategic partnership arrangements aimed at supporting regional development and improving industry access.
Businesses within participating council areas may be eligible for associate membership under the model.
F&FG chief executive officer Simon Johnson said the changes were designed to deliver stronger networks, improved communication and more opportunities for collaboration across the region’s diverse agricultural sectors.
The strategy also proposes activation of the “Gippsland Trusted” regional brand, which is intended to showcase the authenticity, traceability and quality of locally produced food and fibre. The brand aims to strengthen market visibility for Gippsland producers, support small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing premium markets and better connect agriculture with the region’s visitor economy and agritourism sector.
Funding for the brand rollout is expected
to come from a combination of local government support, industry subscriptions and targeted grants.
Alongside the strategic changes, F&FG will introduce a refreshed visual identity and branding to reflect what it describes as a more modern, forward-looking organisation.
The strategic plan outlines growth targets through 2026 and 2027, with new revenue streams anticipated through memberships, partnerships, brand subscriptions and continued delivery of agricultural and horticultural extension programs with funding partners.
F&FG representatives will begin meeting with stakeholders across the region over the coming weeks to outline the strategy and discuss its implications for producers
and agribusinesses.
Mr Johnson said the plan represented a long-term commitment to supporting Gippsland’s primary industries.
“This strategic plan is more than a document — it’s a commitment to our members, our partners and our region,” he said.
The full 2026–2029 Strategic Plan is expected to be released later this month.
