Australian apple growers are set to benefit from a new export agreement that opens access to the Canadian market, removing the need for fumigation or cold treatment and preserving fruit quality.
The achievement was made possible through strategic support from Hort Innovation, via two key projects - Apple and pear market access and trade development (AP21001) and Apple and Pear Trade Development and Market Access Program (AP23003) - which developed and implemented the industry's export action plan and strategy, feeding back technical input on market access issues to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The agreement, finalised yesterday by the Government, follows years of negotiation to demonstrate Australia's ability to manage pests of concern to Canada. It marks a significant milestone for the apple industry, which is valued at more than $680 million and produces nearly 300,000 tonnes of fruit annually.
While Australian apple growers have already been exporting more than 2,500 tonnes of apples to international markets, this new agreement has the potential to open up a large opportunity for further growth and diversification.
With Canada now approving fresh apple imports from Australia without the need for fumigation or cold treatment, growers are better positioned to expand their reach and maintain fruit quality in transit.
This new trade pathway builds on earlier success in securing access to the Chinese market for mainland apple growers and reflects Australia's growing reputation for high-quality, safe produce.
This new agreement is a testament to the collaborative efforts between government and industry to expand global opportunities for Australian horticulture. It reinforces the importance of strategic investment in market access and the value of Australian innovation.
