Australia’s mango and citrus exports have been granted easier quarantine restrictions under an agreement between Australia and China.
The revised protocol for mangoes specifically stops the need for thousands of fruit to be cut open to inspect for seed weevil, reported the AAP.
“These improved quarantine conditions could see a boost in trade worth millions of dollars to our mango growers,” said Australia’s agriculture minister Tony Burke.
The changes come on the back of well-received trial shipments of Australian mangoes to China in 2007, and are expected to open the door for increased shipments.
“We expect volumes to dramatically increase with a longer supply window throughout the season,” said Australian Mango Industry Association chairman Peter Delis.
Citrus exports to China have also been given a reprieve – cold treatment temperature requirements have been eased to levels less likely to damage fruit.
The door to China has also been opened to Australian limes, tangelos and Sweetie grapefruit.
Australian citrus will now be able to access all Chinese ports, rather than just northern ports as per previous import arrangements.
Citrus Australia chairman Kevin Cock said the new requirements were a boon for exports, particularly for cold treatment-sensitive mandarins.
"We're delighted we can now be more assured of the high quality of our mandarins on arrival in China," he said.
Australia exported 855 tonnes of citrus to China last year, worth A$1.25m. The country’s mango industry was worth A$100m in 2008.
