The Western Australian Government has opened applications for the 2026 WA Export Awards. The program provides a formal platform for state and national recognition of businesses generating revenue from international markets, with specific categories relevant to agritourism operators, including Agribusiness and Regional Exporter. Applications will be accepted until Friday, 12 June 2026.
Strategic Implications for Operators
Winning an export award provides significant strategic advantages beyond public recognition. The credential serves as third-party validation of operational excellence and product quality, which can be leveraged in negotiations with international distributors, tourism wholesalers, and potential investors. For agritourism businesses, this formal recognition can strengthen brand positioning in competitive overseas markets and enhance marketing materials targeting international visitors. Past state winners have gained automatic entry into the national Australian Export Awards, offering a further platform for network expansion and brand exposure.
Award Categories and Eligibility
The program is open to any WA-based business with an active Australian Business Number (ABN) that is exporting goods or services. This includes the direct sale of products like wine or value-added foods, the delivery of tourism services to international clients, or the international licensing of creative content.
While there are 13 categories, the most relevant for agritourism businesses include:
* Agribusiness, Food and Beverage
* Regional Exporter
* Emerging Exporter
* Small Business
* Sustainability and Green Economy
The dedicated Regional Exporter category ensures that businesses operating outside the Perth metropolitan area are assessed against their peers, providing a distinct opportunity for operators in key agricultural and tourism regions.
Application and Timeline
Applications for the 2026 awards opened on 14 April 2026 and close on 12 June 2026. Interested operators are advised to review the official guidelines and application information on the Australian Export Awards website. The process requires businesses to detail their export strategy, financial performance, and international market expansion efforts.
The WAAA News Team
