Australia and the Philippines have established an agreement that will allow Australian fruit exports easier access to their Asian neighbour, the ABC reports.
The agreement was signed between both countries’ Departments of Agriculture at the second Australia Philippines Agriculture Forum in Canberra.
It covers exports of citrus, table grapes, summer fruit, cherries, apples, pears and kiwifruit.
Australian Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has stated that it will allow increased flexibility for Australian exporters, including being able to cold-treat produce for pests during transit which would help produce arrive in optimum condition.
'This agreement will make it easier for Filipino consumers to access great Australian fruit,' Fitzgibbon told the ABC.
'The new arrangements facilitate an increase in fruit exports from Australia through improvements and added flexibility in the export process, as well as reductions in the costs associated with exporting.
“It will make it easier for Filipino consumers to access great Australian fruit, while also providing further opportunities for our thriving horticulture industry and I look forward to seeing our industry take advantage of the opportunities this market offers.'
Fitzgibbon also emphasised the agreement as being part of a broader government plan to combat trade barriers and expand agricultural exports, as outlined in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s National Food Plan, released on 25 May this year.
