Citrus Australia CEO Judith Damiani has welcomed the launch of Australia’s National Food Plan, highlighting the potential it provides to grow the country’s horticultural exports, particularly in Asia.
A large share of the A$30m (US$28.9m) project will be channeled into an Asian food markets research fund, aimed at helping Australian producers capatalise on the region’s “dining boom.”
Close to A$6m will be spent on promoting Australian agriculture in overseas markets, while A$5.6m (US$5.4m) will be used to bolster trade links in Asia.
A further A$1.5m (US$1.4m) will be spent on career development.
Damiani, who attended the launch of the food plan in Brisbane last week, said Citrus Australia would work with the Australian Government and other peak industry bodies in fast tracking export market access and building trade opportunities in Asia.
“Our submissions and input into the National Food Plan has focused on growing exports so we are pleased to see extra funding initiatives for overseas agricultural specialists and market access liaison officers to better engage with industry,” Damiani said.
Damiani cited unnecessary costs and red tape surrounding exports as obstacles in the way of Australia’s bid to become more competitive in international markets.
“The introduction of the carbon tax in an example of power costs unnecessarily increasing by up to 25 per cent, right through the cold chain, and more to come with the removal of heavy transport support next year,” she said.
