Chinese authorities have agreed to a revised quarantine protocol for Australian mangoes after detailed discussions were held during the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke’s recent visit.

The previous system included 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 and surveying their orchards for signs of the pest.

Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) chairman Peter Delis said the new protocol will 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.”

Mr Burke said Australia’s fresh produce is the best in the world and the trial consignments of Australian mangoes sent to China in 2007 were well-received.

“These improved quarantine conditions could see a boost in trade worth millions of dollars to our mango growers,” he said.

He also announced the revised quarantine conditions for Australian citrus into China.

The new 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.