Australian veg increasingly popular overseas
In the 2015-16 financial year, Australia exported 209,871 tonnes of fresh vegetables, valued at $226.5 million, with key markets including Singapore ($36M), the United Arab Emirates ($33M) and Japan ($25M).
"Australian vegetable exports to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have increased by 29 per cent and 24 per cent respectively since 2013-14," said Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Communications Manager.
The representative group says it is continuing to make ground in Japan, through new varieties of produce.
"Japan granted market access for Australian cucurbits in late 2016, which includes melons and pumpkins," Mr Lindhe said. "We are confident that demand for our produce will continue to increase so that potential trade partners will seek out Australian vegetables."
AUSVEG is continuing to monitor vegetable growing regions in Queensland, after last month’s tropical cyclone.
“At this stage it is too early to predict the full extent of the damage on affected crops, as the magnitude of damage caused by Cyclone Debbie is still being assessed,” Mr Lindhe said.
The category four cyclone struck off the Queensland coast near Bowen late last month. The horticulture industry in the region is worth $450million a year, employing 3,200 workers and it is expected that every property was affected in some way.
“Prices for vegetables are naturally affected by supply and demand, including supply gaps like those that occur after severe weather events damage crops and farm infrastructure,” Mr Lindhe said.
“However, given that there are a number of other factors affecting price – including the ability of growers in other regions to meet supply gaps – it’s difficult to say what price variations may be.”
For more information:
Shaun Lindhe
AUSVEG
Tel: +61 3 9882 0277
www.ausveg.com.au
Author: Matt Russell