The emerging trade in Australian citrus and mangos to China is expected to grow after the Federal Government negotiated improved market access.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said China had accepted a revised quarantine protocol for both Australian mangoes and citrus after detailed discussions.
"A boost in trade means more support for Australian agricultural jobs, which is even more welcome during a global recession," Mr Burke said.
Under previous citrus export conditions, oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit were only permitted access to northern Chinese ports and had to undergo extensive cold disinfestation treatment which could affect the quality of the fruit.
The revised quarantine conditions will allow more Australian citrus including limes, tangelos and sweetie grapefruit to access all ports in China and increases the required temperature for the cold disinfestation treatment.
The Government says changes will allow growers more flexibility, save on shipping costs and help to protect the high quality of the fresh Australian produce.
For mangos the previous system included onerous quarantine requirements for proving orchards were free of mango seed weevil and fruit flies, which meant that only limited trade occurred from 2007.
Under the revised protocol, growers have more options for monitoring the surveying their orchards for signs of the pest.
The Government says the new system will significantly reduce costs for growers and allow them to capitalise on new opportunities with the coming harvest.
"Our fresh produce is the best in the world and the trial consignments of Australian mangoes sent to China in 2007 were well-received," Mr Burke said.
"These improved quarantine conditions could see a boost in trade worth millions of dollars to our mango growers."
The announcement follows Mr Burke's visit to China in April last year, accompanied by a trade delegation including the chair of Citrus Australia Kevin Cock.
Last calendar year, Australia exported 855 tonnes of citrus worth $1.25 million to China.
Mr Burke said he hoped the breakthrough would help citrus growers in Emerald, Queensland whose businesses had been affected by the citrus canker outbreak in 2004.
Mr Cock said the improved conditions would make a huge difference for exports of citrus to China, particularly for mandarins, which are more susceptible to cold treatment.
"We’re delighted we can now be more assured of the high quality of our mandarins on arrival in China," Mr Cock said.
China is also considering new treatments to manage Fuller’s rose weevil and light brown apple moth, as well as recognition of pest-free areas for fruit flies.
Australian Mango Industry Association chairman Peter Delis said the new protocol would give the industry greater scope for accessing high-quality mangoes, without the onerous task of cutting thousands of mangoes to check for weevils.
"It's a great opportunity for the mango industry and demonstrates what can be achieved by industry and government working together," Mr Delis said.
"We expect volumes to dramatically increase with a longer supply window throughout the season.
"With 17 million people in Beijing alone and mangoes being so popular the potential is extraordinary, but it will still take much work on industry’s and government’s behalf to realise the potential."
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