A leading Australian fresh produce figure has called for a new vapour heat treatment (VHT) facility to be built in the Tableland region of Queensland, so the state can capitalise on its burgeoning production.
The state has recorded a 25 per cent increase in output and is now exporting more than 4,000 tonnes each year, with markets like China and Indonesia recording big jumps.
But Joe Moro, chairman of the Mareeba Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said Australia could further increase its exports if a new treatment facility could be built.
"China is an important market but we are a long way from meeting potential," Mr Moro told News Limited.
There is already a VHT station on the outskirts of Mutchilba, owned by Diamond Star Australia, but the facility only treats fruit bound for Japan.
Fruit grown in the Tableland region has to be transported to Giru, near Townsville, or Beerwah, on the Sunshine Coast, which is an added cost to the industry and reduces competitiveness.
"Until we have a VHT treatment plant it's going to be difficult to access the Chinese market," said the Australian Mango Industry Association's (AMIA) Far North Queensland director Etienne Theart.
Queensland's minister for primary industries Tim Mulherin credited the boost in sales to China to a joint effort work between AMIA, Biosecurity Australia and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).
"Having strict quarantine protocols amended has opened the industry up to potentially millions of dollars in trade," Mr Mulherin said.
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