The Australian government has provided the country’s avocado industry with funding to improve export market access.
Peak industry body Avocados Australia received A$109,176(US$82,105) for two projects designed to streamline avocado industry export processes and assist growers with Japanese and New Zealand market access.
David Littleproud, Australia’s agriculture minister, said the industry’s export growth needed to be supported.
“Australian growers produced 87,546 tonnes of avocados in 2019/20, 2 per cent more than the previous year, bringing gross value of production to an estimated A$493m (US$370m),” Littleproud said.
“With volumes of exports on the rise and more opportunities for trade, the Australian government is helping to ensure growers have access to modern, efficient export systems.”
One of the projects will adapt the current Australian Table Grape Association accreditation system to develop an online registration, mapping and phytosanitary data collection platform.
Another grant will go towards the production of educational materials for growers seeking to access Japanese and New Zealand markets.
“The materials will provide guidance on the regulatory requirements and export registration process for export capable growers and packhouses,” Littleproud said.
“Projects such as these will not only save producers time and money but help ensure Australia continues to build on its reputation as a reliable supplier of clean, safe, quality produce.”
