New Deal Boosts Mango, Citrus Industry
[2009-06-18]
More Australian mangoes will be exported to China under a new deal struck between both nations.
China has agreed to a revised quarantine protocol which means growers will have more options in monitoring their orchards for signs of pests.
Under previous quarantine regulations, Australian growers had to prove their orchards were free of seed weevils and fruit fly, limiting exports to China since 2007.
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said the changes would mean a boost for agriculture and jobs during the global recession.
"These improved quarantine conditions could see a boost in trade worth millions of dollars to our mango growers," Mr Burke said in a statement.
The changes also showed the trial consignments of mangoes sent to China in 2007 were well received, he said.
Australian Mango Industry Association chairman Peter Delis said the new regulations put an end to cutting thousands of mangoes to check for weevils.
"We expect volumes to dramatically increase with a longer supply window throughout the season," he said.
The nation's mango industry was worth about $100 million to the economy in 2008.
There will also be improved market access to China for Australia's citrus growers.
Previously, containers of oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit were only accepted into China's northern ports and had to undergo cold treatment to kill bugs in a method that could affect the quality of the fruit.
Australian authorities have since negotiated to increase the temperature for the cold treatment.
Chinese authorities have also agreed to accept other Australian citrus fruits, including limes and tangelos.
Last year, Australia exported 855 tonnes of citrus, worth $1.25 million, to China.
China has agreed to a revised quarantine protocol which means growers will have more options in monitoring their orchards for signs of pests.
Under previous quarantine regulations, Australian growers had to prove their orchards were free of seed weevils and fruit fly, limiting exports to China since 2007.
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said the changes would mean a boost for agriculture and jobs during the global recession.
"These improved quarantine conditions could see a boost in trade worth millions of dollars to our mango growers," Mr Burke said in a statement.
The changes also showed the trial consignments of mangoes sent to China in 2007 were well received, he said.
Australian Mango Industry Association chairman Peter Delis said the new regulations put an end to cutting thousands of mangoes to check for weevils.
"We expect volumes to dramatically increase with a longer supply window throughout the season," he said.
The nation's mango industry was worth about $100 million to the economy in 2008.
There will also be improved market access to China for Australia's citrus growers.
Previously, containers of oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit were only accepted into China's northern ports and had to undergo cold treatment to kill bugs in a method that could affect the quality of the fruit.
Australian authorities have since negotiated to increase the temperature for the cold treatment.
Chinese authorities have also agreed to accept other Australian citrus fruits, including limes and tangelos.
Last year, Australia exported 855 tonnes of citrus, worth $1.25 million, to China.
Source: 21food.com
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