Australia And Japan Expand Grapefruit Trade, Market Access
The Rudd Government and citrus producers have welcomed Japan’s announcement of complete market access for Australian grapefruit.
Until now Australia has only been able to export grapefruit that is sourced from fruit fly pest free areas to Japan.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the decision is good news for citrus producers across the nation.
“The decision by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries allows new access for producers from all over Australia to export to the lucrative Japanese market,” Mr Burke said.
“The result is important for producers of the sweeter red-fleshed grapefruit varieties from Australia’s north who have placed considerable investment in developing a product for the Japanese market.
“This market access gain illustrates the value of the partnership that exists between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and the citrus industry.
This partnership has included the funding of relevant fruit fly research work which has allowed Australian researchers to give Japan the necessary assurance that the risk of fruit flies will be adequately managed through cold disinfestation treatment and appropriate biosecurity measures.
Australian citrus producers and exporters are delighted by the market opportunities that have now opened up in Japan for grapefruit.
Citrus Australia Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer Judith Damiani said Australian citrus producers are keen to capitalise on the new market opportunities.
“Export orders are already being placed for the new season commencing March 2011. The first year of trade under the new conditions will see an estimated 1,500 tonnes of grapefruit exported to Japan valued at approximately $1.5 million,” Ms Damiani said.
“The longer-term outlook looks even more promising. The demand in Japan over the next five years is anticipated to be around 4,000 tonnes and valued at $4.8 million annually.”
Rewards Group Project Manager Stuart Dobson travelled to Japan on a market access trip with Mr Burke in 2008.
Mr Dobson said, “this opens up a fantastic market opportunity for Australian Grapefruit.”
Australia’s next horticultural market access priority to Japan is table grapes.
Topics: 2010, agricultural trade, agriculture, Asia, Australia, bilateral trade relationship, biosecurity, business, Citrus Australia Ltd, citrus industry, cold disinfestation treatment, conventions, economic development, economic growth, economic recovery, Economy, employment, exports, fruit flies, fruit fly pest free areas, Governance, government, grapefruit, horticultural market, Japan, jobs, legal framework, market access, memorandum of understanding, moniter, monitor, MOU, news, Pacific, producers, regulations, Russia, table grapes, Tony Burke, trade, trade shows
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