Last week, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) reached an agreement to enhance pre-border quarantine protocols for onions exported from New Zealand to Indonesia.
"Fumigation for onions was required in Indonesia to support biosecurity. To protect local farming and businesses, it is common to see countries apply phytosanitary measures," explained Kazi Talaska from Onions New Zealand.
"New Zealand has an export protocol in line with other countries to support phytosanitary access into Indonesia. We are working closely with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and the Indonesian government to make sure our product meets the requirements. New Zealand exporters meet the export requirements and export to over 40 countries worldwide, implementing requirements will not be a new activity."
Indonesia and ASEAN in general are important markets for New Zealand onions, with exports growing over the past decade. Many New Zealand onions also support the growing food service industry in these markets, with a wider range of cuisine being consumed over time.
"We are looking forward to a good remainder of the export season with Indonesia and other countries globally. We have seen great climatic conditions across the country that have produced premium quality New Zealand Onions that can deliver well on the plate and store for our importer's benefit."
For more information:
Kazi Talaska
New Zealand Onions
www.newzealandonions.com