A new online export registration system is helping to streamline international sales programmes for Australia’s citrus industry.
Developed by Citrus Australia’s market development team, the system allows growers and packers registering to export citrus to KCT protocol markets to track the status of their application.
“For packers to have access to real-time information about their applications is a positive step and will allow them to manage picking of their KCT blocks with less risk,” said Nathan Hancock, Citrus Australia’s manager of market information and quality. “We think the improvements in efficiency will be most evident in the coming season.”
So far this season, 388 orchards representing over 5,440ha in production have logged onto the online database to register applications to send fruit to KCT markets. The most frequently selected markets for applications have been China and Thailand. The Australian Department of Agriculture have begun auditing applicants, with a number of orchards already approved to commence exports.
“Overall the system has proven a worthwhile investment of grower levies as it will shorten the application process significantly, allowing achievement of protocol requirements with our trading partners earlier and allowing trade to commence at the earliest possible time,” added Hancock. “We will review the application process with growers, packers and the Department and make some suggested improvements.”
