New Philippines export deal for Australian citrus producers

The government has announced new export arrangements with the Philippines which will benefit local citrus producers.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, senator Joe Ludwig announced the deal which would see the cost of exporting product to the Philippines reduced, facilitating an increase in fruit exports to the country.

"Australian horticulture exports to the Philippines have been low but these new arrangement make it easier to access the Philippines, with a population of nearly 100 million people," said Mr Ludwig in a statement issued yesterday (February 27).

The senator explained that previously, cold treatment requirements were not attractive to exporters.

New arrangements will permit cold treatment to happen in transit and in addition, the Philippines have agreed to more effective cold treatment schedules which will make sure Australian product arrives at market in much better condition.

Peak industry bodies from Australia's horticulture sector have welcomed the new arrangements.

Summerfruit Australia's John Moore said the deal was "a significant boost" for Australia's horticulture industry and the economy in general, and Citrus Australia's Andrew Harty was also optimistic about the future.

"The Australian citrus industry is keen to take advantage of the new conditions and is looking forward to working with DAFF and other agencies to strengthen our position to trade internationally," said Mr Harty.

The new export arrangements follow research and trials by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia.

The successful trials paved the way to Australia becoming the first country to allow cold-treatment of produce which is in transit to the Philippines.

Senator Ludwig said that the new export deal showed confidence in the quality of Australia's export product and our world class export certification system.

Protecting Australian produce while in transit is one of the many functions of the comprehensive crop insurance policy which Elders Insurance offers Australian rural producers.