Opportunities for Western Australian producers to develop strategic alliances to deliver exports into the Asian and Japanese markets are tipped to increase following the success of a tomato growing venture.

The Department of Agriculture’s “Made by Japanese in Western Australia” Project, which aims to promote joint ventures between Japanese and Western Australian growers, processors and food companies, was the catalyst for an alliance between a Japanese and a Western Australian grower which will see about 40 tonnes of tomatoes produced between now and February 2006.

The alliance between Mr Yoshihisa Ookuma, a tomato farmer from Kanagawa, Japan and Sam Calameri, Managing Director of Baldivis Market Gardens was fostered through the project.

As the new venture builds capacity the Japanese Momoko tomato will be marketed in WA through gourmet vegetable shops, with the long term aim of exporting tomatoes and tomato juice.

Matt Yamamoto, the Agriculture Department’s Market Development Manager in Japan, said the alliance showed the potential to develop a full supply chain arrangement in Western Australia to develop exports for Asian markets. 

“The project provides opportunities for WA companies looking to be involved in these strategic alliances to develop exports to Asia and Japan

Mr Ookuma started growing tomatoes in Japan in 1968 and has been recognised in a Japanese national competition for his expertise in the field. His major customer in Japan is Kanagawa Consumers’ Co-operative which has 6 million members.

Mr Ookuma held a strong desire to expand his business in an overseas market with the skill that he has developed. He chose Western Australia because of climate suitability and the State’s clean and green environment. Mr Calameri was looking for a new business opportunity and was interested in Momoko – a type of tomato that people can eat like a fruit. 

After being introduced through the Agriculture Department project, the two men concluded an agreement for Mr Ookuma to lease 3000 square metres of farm space to set up his trial production.

“I hope to multiply production by four in the next season. In the medium and long term I would like to arrange year round supply to the market and make tomato juice to export to Japan, which my customers are demanding,” said Mr Ookuma.