Tasmanian apple producers have secured unfettered access to Canadian markets after years of lobbying to scrap quality-damaging treatment requirements.
The federal government announced Canada had approved a trade pathway for fresh apples from Australia without requiring fumigation or cold treatment – processes that can compromise fruit flavour and add significant costs.
The breakthrough opens new opportunities for Australia’s $680 million apple industry, which produces close to 300,000 tonnes annually.
“We welcome this improved access to the Canadian market and the benefits our growers and producers will reap from the agreement,” Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said.
Tasmania’s apple sector, worth more than $65 million and accounting for 10.4% of national production, is among those set to benefit.
Fruit Growers Tasmania chief executive Peter Cornish played down expectations of a Canadian export boom, saying the real value lays in treatment-free access.
The Canadian agreement follows the finalisation of market access to China for mainland growers earlier this year.
Australia exports more than 70% of its agricultural production to over 160 markets globally.
Tasmanian apple exports currently target China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Pacific Island nations through smaller air freight shipments.
“We continue to work on market access opportunities in all sectors of Australian agriculture and take great pride in being able to facilitate the trade of our world class food and fibre,” Collins said.
