Dragonfruit has joined a growing list of Vietnamese-grown tropical fruits approved for export to Australia.
The move comes after a 10 month review, which saw members of the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources visit major dragonfruit production areas in Vietnam to observe production systems and packinghouse operations.
In its final report, the department recommended the importation of fresh dragonfruit to Australia from all commercial production areas of Vietnam be permitted, subject to a range of biosecurity conditions.
Before trade can commence, the Australian and Vietnamese governments need to undertake a few more steps, including the establishment of standard operating procedures for the vapour heat treatment facility specific to dragonfruit.
“We are very pleased with this significant development,” Australian ambassador to Vietnam Craig Chittick said. “The Australian Government looks forward to continuing to work with Vietnam in the next steps to make the importation of Vietnamese fresh dragonfruit to Australia possible.”
The first consignments of Vietnamese lychees were exported to Australia in May 2015 and the first consignment of Vietnamese mangoes was shipped to Australia in September last year. Chittick said Australia was also progressing market access applications for other types of Vietnamese fruits.
