Peak representative body Citrus Australia has issued a media release welcoming the incoming Coalition government announcement of its first Ministry and promised focus on primary production.
Citrus Australia congratulated deputy prime minister and Nationals leader Warren Truss, agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce, Joyce's parliamentary secretary Richard Colbeck and minister for trade and investment Andrew Robb on their appointments.
“A strong and experienced team with a clear focus on agriculture, trade and regional development will assist Australia become the food bowl of Asia and secure a more profitable agriculture and food sector,” said Citrus Australia chief executive officer Judith Damiani in the release.
Australia's citrus industry represents the country's largest fresh fruit export sector in terms of volume, with a value comprising A$194m (US$180.5m) for the 2012/13 season.
While this year's export season is not yet complete, it is thus far tracking 10 per cent above last year's, which Damiani has put to a lower Australian dollar and strong demand from Japan and China.
However, Damiani also highlights the ongoing need for government support to maintain this growth.
“Quarantine and trade barriers still exist in these and other promising markets so improved market access and trade agreements will be critical in realising the Asian century.
“We should also welcome foreign investment once it has passed the national interest test.'
