AU: Australia Fresh welcomes Philippines export deal
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, welcomed the agreement and said it was the result of significant collaboration by federal and state agriculture departments as well as horticulture exporters.
“Australian horticulture exports to the Philippines have been low but these new arrangements make it easier to access the Philippines, with a population of nearly 100 million people,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Previous cold treatment requirements were unattractive to exporters, but the new arrangements allow for cold treatment to occur in transit. The Philippines has also accepted new, more effective, cold treatment schedules which will ensure that product arrives at this important market in a much better condition.
“Improvements and flexibility agreed to by both countries will help reduce the cost of exporting product to the Philippines and facilitate increased fruit exports.”
The agreement has been welcomed by Australia’s peak horticulture bodies.
“This outcome is a significant boost for horticulture and our economy,” said Summerfruit Australia Limited’s John Moore.
“The Australian citrus industry is keen to take advantage of the new conditions and is looking forward to working with DAFF and other agencies to strengthen our position to trade internationally,” said Citrus Australia Limited’s Andrew Harty.
New arrangements have been supported by research and trials conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia.
“In March last year, with support from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Table Grape Association, DAFF arranged for officers from the Philippines to follow a shipment of grapes from Sunraysia to Melbourne and then on to Manila,” Minister Ludwig said.
“A successful trial shipment cleared the path for DAFF to negotiate changes to the old protocol with the Philippines.”
The Philippines has also accepted Australia’s reforms to export certification, including the use of Authorised Officers to supervise cold treatments and conduct export inspections.
“Australia is also the first country allowed to cold-treat produce while in-transit to the Philippines,” Minister Ludwig said.
“This demonstrates confidence the Philippines has in the quality of Australia’s export product and Australia’s world class export certification system.”
For more information:
Melissa Patch
Australia Fresh
Tel: +61 (0)418 734 413
