2 May 2009
DAFF09/234B
The Rudd Government today announced Australian citrus exports had received a boost with Japan recognising the Greater Sunraysia district as a fruit fly free area.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said growers from Mildura to Swan Hill would welcome the news that fruit no longer has to undergo costly treatment before it is exported to Japan.
Under current requirements, oranges, lemons and mandarins must undergo cold disinfestation treatment once harvested, to eliminate possible fruit flies.
Now Japan has recognised the Sunraysia as fruit fly free, due to the surveillance, trapping and incursion response systems run by the NSW and Victorian departments of primary industries.
Australia exported almost 15,000 tonnes of citrus to Japan last calendar year, worth more than $19 million dollars.
“The Government continues working to improve market access for our growers and exporters, who produce high quality fruit and vegetables for consumers around the globe,” Mr Burke said.
“Under these new export arrangements, oranges, lemons and mandarins will arrive in Japan in better condition and Australian exporters will avoid the considerable expense of the treatment.
“Biosecurity Australia has worked closely with the Australian citrus industry and Japan’s quarantine authority to gain this recognition of the area’s fruit fly free status.
“I discussed this issue with my Japanese counterpart during a visit to Japan last year and welcome the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture’s decision.
“We will continue to work with the Japanese quarantine authorities, the Australian citrus industry and state departments to implement the improved import conditions for the coming season.
“After years of minimal water allocations, this will be welcome news for the citrus farmers of the Sunraysia district.
“This was one of the first regions I visited after becoming Minister and growers at the time raised with me the importance of improving market access to Japan.
“I’m pleased to be able to report back on this win, just over 12 months later.”
During the visit to Japan last year, Mr Burke was accompanied by citrus growers including from the Murray Valley Citrus Board in the Greater Sunraysia district.