New quarantine conditions have paved the way for apple exports to China from the Australian island state of Tasmania, after a new agreement was signed between the two countries yesterday.
Australian minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Tony Burke, said the amended protocol was good news for Australia's apple industry, and would enhance its relationship with China.
"Strong exports are critical for the future of Australia," Mr Burke said.
"The total value of Australian horticulture exports consisting of fresh and processed fruit, nuts and vegetables was A$1.29bn (US$1.13bn) in 2008/09.
"Improved access for Tasmanian apples is great news for the industry, and opens up various niche markets throughout China."
Mr Burke said the government had worked closely with the apple industry's peak body, Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL), and Fruit Growers Tasmania (FGT) to achieve this outcome.
"Tasmania boasts an ideal climate and modern production systems to produce some of the finest perennial fruit in the world, with Tasmanian apples renowned globally," he said.
"These new quarantine conditions are a tremendous boost for our important horticultural industry and I commend the Australian and Chinese authorities for reviewing the agreement which now allows Tasmanian growers to access the Chinese market under workable protocol requirements."
The new quarantine protocol doesn't contain the previous requirement to check for European canker and fireblight, diseases which are not are not present in Australia.
China has recognised Tasmania's pest-free area status for fruit fly, its monitoring and control program for apple codling moth, and its orchard management of light brown apple moth, woolly apple aphid and brown rot.
The country will next target market access for its table grapes, cherries, stonefruit and apples from the Australian mainland.
