Peak industry body Citrus Australia has called on researchers and industry to work together to maximise potential for exports to China, the world’s largest market.
Citrus Australia members joined government representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Horticulture Australia Limited for the 2009 Forum on Fruit and Vegetable Inspection and Quarantine, from 20-21 November in Guangzhou, China.
Australian citrus has formal access to China but, while mandarins are exported, few oranges are shipped due to strict quarantine restrictions regarding the presence of fuller’s rose weevil and other pests.
“The industry has a number of solid research projects focused on improving access to China, including controlling of fuller’s rose weevil,” said Citrus Australia board director Kevin Cock.
“We call on the different research providers, including industry, to work together to maximise a successful strategy to push into China and overcome concerns on pest issues.
“The Chinese market is significant and worth the investment in research. If we solve China, we solve many access issues to substantial markets in Korea and Thailand as well,” he continued.
Citrus Australia has called for a united approach to tackling the issue, where scientific research is combined with work being done in orchards and treatments in packhouses.
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