Australian fruit exporters will now have easier access to the Philippines under a new agreement between the Aussie and Filipino governments’ agricultural departments.
The deal was signed in Canberra at the 2nd Australia Philippines Agriculture Forum in Canberra and will benefit exporters of citrus, table grapes, apples, pears, kiwifruit and summer fruit in particular, ABC Rural reports.
Joel Fitzgibbon, Australia’s agricultural minister said that the agreement will provide greater flexibility for Australian exporters, including the ability to cold-treat produce in order to combat pests during transit.
“This agreement will make it easier for Filipino consumer to access great Australian fruit,” said Fitzgibbon.
“This is an example of the government’s plan to tackle trade barriers and grow agricultural exports, as outlined in the National Food Plan.”
Increased opportunities for fruit export comes as welcome news to struggling fruit growers across the country. Victoria’s distressed Goulburn Valley region has been in dismay since SPC Ardmona announced in April that they will no longer be taking fruit from 170 growers in the region.