Improved export opportunities and an influx of cheap imports are two of the “critical issues” which must be addressed in a review of Australia’s citrus sector, according to Citrus Australia chief executive Judith Damiani.
The Australian government launched a senate committee inquiry into the state of the citrus industry last week, which Damiani hopes will lead to reform.
“Critical issues that require Federal Government attention include export market access, export trade, implementing the National Food Plan, the carbon tax, country of origin labelling and the impact of the high Aussie dollar,” Damiani told the Weekly Times.
The inquiry comes after a challenging 12 months for the industry, which included heavy flooding in major citrus growing areas of Queensland earlier this year.
South Australian senator Anne Ruston said the inquiry was a necessary step in shaping the future of the sector.
“The citrus industry has been through a very tough time recently so I am hopeful this inquiry will produce some positive and constructive outcomes and solutions,” Ruston said.
“An efficient and robust structure is needed for the industry so it can withstand the constant external pressures of cheap imports, the high Australian dollar, diseases, and weather events.”
The government hopes industry sources will assist with the inquiry.
“Ideally, solutions will come from within the industry itself,” Ruston said.
The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee will conduct the inquiry and hand down its report in June.
