The Agriculture Industry Competitiveness White Paper will be good news long term for the export industry, according to Vince Brullo, Export Manager for Australia Fruits. “I think they’re moving in the right direction, that’s for sure, but even with the recent FTA with China signed, tariffs won’t come down for four or five years,” he told Fresh Plaza. “Importers are concerned whether or not these things will make the price of the produce cheaper.”
The growers who work with Australia Fruits will feel benefits more quickly, and that’s still a very good thing for the industry overall, according to Mr Brullo. “It’s really good to see the Government do these sorts of things for the industry.”
Biosecurity is one key area where exporters will be encouraged to invest
time and money into researching new markets, now that market access is being discussed, Mr Brullo says. The Australian Horticultural Exporters Association also welcomes the move towards improving biosecurity research and market access. “We are encouraged at the commitment and focus on biosecurity, profitability, standards and improving Australia’s trade position through securing new and better access to premium markets,” said Michelle Christoe, Executive Director for the AHEA, in a statement..
time and money into researching new markets, now that market access is being discussed, Mr Brullo says. The Australian Horticultural Exporters Association also welcomes the move towards improving biosecurity research and market access. “We are encouraged at the commitment and focus on biosecurity, profitability, standards and improving Australia’s trade position through securing new and better access to premium markets,” said Michelle Christoe, Executive Director for the AHEA, in a statement..The introduction of five new Agriculture Counsellors, outlined in the White Paper, was a promising sign of the Government’s commitment to the industry, according to the AHEA. Existing counsellors play an important role in improving government relationships with trade partners, removing technical barriers to exports and resolving incidents, the statement said.
The White Paper and the new positions will help align Australia’s strategy for exports, Ms Christoe said. “Where countries have an edge over Australia is in strategic intent and competitiveness. Australia in the past appeared to have no stated goal or clear strategy for expansion into Asia other than a desire to export whenever the returns are better than the domestic market. This is a start in the right direction.”
A number of other industry bodies, including Voice of Horticulture, Citrus Australia, the Australian Mango Industry Association and grower representatives have come out in support of the White Paper since the news broke July 3.
For more information
Vince Brullo, Export Manager 
Australia Fruits
Phone: +61393388245
E-mail: vince@austfruits.com.au
Michelle Christoe, Executive Director 
Australian Horticultural Exporters Association
To view the press release and statements released,
visit the AHEA website.
Website: www.ahea.com.au
Phone: +61413 200 404
E-mail: michellec@ahea.com.au