The South Korea Forest Service has announced an agreement with Australian quarantine authorities, allowing Shine Muscat grapes from Korea to enter the Australian market. Previously, only Campbell Early and Geobong varieties were exported to Australia due to stringent fumigation conditions. The new agreement aligns the export requirements for Shine Muscat with those of existing varieties, including registration as an export complex, bagging, and low-temperature disinfection treatment.
Domestic farmers and the export industry had been advocating for relaxed regulations, which led to negotiations starting last year. As a result, Shine Muscat can now be exported to Australia under the same procedures as Campbell Early and Geobong.
Shine Muscat grapes have been exported primarily to Taiwan and the United States. With Australia as a new market, the global reach of these grapes is anticipated to grow. Last year, Korean grape exports to Australia were limited to 16 tons. However, with the inclusion of Shine Muscat, the volume is expected to rise.
Kim Jeong-hee, head of the Korea Forest Service, stated, "The expansion of the Shine Muscat export market will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of domestic grape farmers," and emphasized ongoing support for the entry of domestic fruits into overseas markets.
Source: ChosunBiz