Australian avocados will have an easier entry into Japan and New Zealand on the back of two Federal Government grants. Avocados Australia has been awarded the grants under the Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE) program extension.
These grants will go toward the development of an online registration, mapping and phytosanitary data collection platform ($79,200) and towards the production of educational materials for growers seeking to access Japanese and New Zealand markets ($29,976).
Agriculture minister, David Littleproud, said Australian avocados are a significant horticultural industry renowned for its premium produce here and abroad. Goodfruitandvegetables.com.au quoted Littleproud as saying: "Australian growers produced 87,546 tonnes of avocados in 2019/20, two per cent more than the previous year, bringing gross value of production to an estimated $493 million. With volumes of exports on the rise and more opportunities for trade, the Australian Government is helping to ensure growers have access to modern, efficient export systems."
In 2019/20 Australia exported 4,051 tonnes, its highest volume of fresh avocados to date, representing 4.63 per cent of the 87,546 tonnes produced. Malaysia and Singapore are currently Australia's main avocado export markets.
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