AHEA was extremely pleased at the positive response to the Export Forum which attracted over 80 participants who gained an insight of the current status and emerging issues of the Australian horticulture export industry.
The AHEA Chair, David Minnis, AOM, opened the Forum with an overview of the state of the export and import industries. He noted, “Australia has not opened a new market for Stonefruit produce in over 20 years”. He stressed the importance of moving volume into the Asian countries at minimum cost – industry need air freight protocols desperately. They only exist in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Peter Roberts of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised that efforts had been concentrated on achieving China, Korea and Japan FTAs and were now deep in negotiations with India. Other negotiations are also ongoing : Trans Pacific Partnership which comprises 12 countries including USA and Japan, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership with ASEAN and ASEAN FTA partner countries. A lot of negotiation taking place on behalf of Australian horticulture.
The AHEA as an approved Standards Development Organisation is garnering industry support for the introduction of Australian standards to ensure that market access will not become an issue in future seasons into some Asian regions for horticulture produce. AHEA Executive Director, Michelle Christoe, said, “If Australia complied with international standards, it would give the Department of Agriculture sufficient bargaining power to be proactive in negotiations and push for protocols that industry can comply against.” The AHEA presentation was supported by Dr Ken Glassey of Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand. Ken provided an overview of the NZ experience in establishing internationally recognised standards with the cooperation of industry. The standards provide NZ industry with a recognised country-wide brand and reputation for consistency of supply to our trading partners. Ken believes, “Standards protect your business so that you can grow”.
The featured panel session on phytosanitary requirements for Australian export market was ably facilitated by Sarina Locke, ABC National Rural Reporter, who also gave an overview of the Australian horticulture industry from the outside. The Panel members were : David Minnis OAM, AHEA Chair; Peter Leach, Horticulture and Forestry Science Agri-Science Queensland; Murray Lynch, CEO Steritech; Saul Windiate, Managing Director, Profresh Systems; Peter Whittle, HIA; Swami Thalavaisundaram, Entomologist BOC.
The Panel discussed recent research on product developments including vapormate (ethyl formate), irradiation, ICT controls, methyl bromide, charcoal mate, .5mm weave netting, etc. The Panel desired that a systems approach be promoted in DoA negotiations as opposed to purely prescriptive measures.
Barry McGookin, Food Innovation Australia Ltd and Halinka Panzera, CEO of BDC Market Intelligence gave a very interesting presentation on food innovations that create new opportunities. The forum enjoyed an overview of value adding options including novel offerings and pack formats.
For more information:
Michelle Christoe
Australian Horticulture Industry Association
T: +61 0413 200 404
Email: michellec@ahea.com.au