Australian citrus growers in the Sunraysia region have welcomed a Japanese decision to allow access to their fruit without fruit fly disinfestations treatment, reported the ABC.
Japan has recognised the Greater Sunraysia Fruit Fly Area is seasonally free of the pest between June and December, according to the Murray Valley Citrus Board.
It has been hailed as a breakthrough by the Board, and chief executive John Tesorerio said it would mean big saving for growers.
“Conservatively about A$4 a case of fruit,” he said.
“Formerly it had to go through to Shepparton and be cold treated and there were delays involved.”
“Now being told that fruit can be shipped to Japan without the need for cold treatment is a great bonus.”
