David Llewellyn, the Tasmanian minister for primary industries and water, is in Japan today to discuss the finalisation of a non-fumigation protocol for the import of Tasmanian cherries.

According to a government statement, Mr Llewellyn is meeting Japan's minister for agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Masatoshi Wakabayashi, in Tokyo.

'A fumigation-free protocol for Tasmanian cherries is being pursued, which will be critical to ongoing commercial success in Japan,' Mr Llewellyn said.

'In April 2008 Biosecurity Australia forwarded the results of in-orchard Codling Moth trapping trials that verify fumigation of cherries is unnecessary,' Mr Llewellyn continued. 'Indications are that Japan is progressing with the development of a non-fumigation quarantine protocol for Tasmanian cherries and that non-fumigation access to Japan for the 2008/09 season is a strong possibility.'

The Japanese visit is part of a Tasmanian government and fruit industry trade mission to North Asia, which is looking to ensure access for Australian apples, stonefruit and cherries to the region.

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