A $485,771 Australian Government grant will help Aussie citrus growers tap into the Indian market with exports of high-quality oranges and mandarins.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Citrus Australia project would map the Indian market and supply chains, build capabilities and boost sales through business exchanges and marketing campaigns.
"Australia has the ability to become the southern hemisphere supplier of choice for premium quality citrus products in India over the next 5-10 years," Minister Littleproud said.
"The past 2 years have been marred by market disruptions and global freight and logistics challenges, and India and the Indian subcontinent present real growth prospects for our high-quality, sustainable Aussie citrus."
"Now a new horticultural export specialist will help position our local industry to export high-value fruit to the sub-continent."
Citrus Australia spokesperson Nathan Hancock said regional workshops will inform some 1500 citrus growers - from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia - about how to capitalise on opportunities in India.
"Our project will provide the support for commercial businesses to enter and grow the market in India for premium quality Australian citrus," Mr Hancock said.
"The timing couldn't be better, just as our interim trade deal with India delivering the citrus industry an annual quota of 13,700 tonnes, with a 50 % reduction of India's in-quota tariff, down from 30% to 15%.
"Where trade to date has focussed on smaller sizes and composite-grade fruit for low return, this project aims to develop high-value niche markets within India for Navel oranges and Afourer and Murcott mandarins.
"Key elements involve developing strategic relationships with Indian importers, retailers, governments, cold-chain and warehousing providers, and the appointment of a celebrity citrus ambassador to support our promotional efforts."
Fast facts:
- Businesses within Australia's citrus value chain will benefit directly from the Australian Citrus to India: 30,000 tonnes by 2030 project, including packers, exporters, transporters, loading and storage facilities.
- In 2020-21 Australia exported 3,400 tonnes of citrus valued at $4.3m to India.
- $19 million in grant funding has been committed to date through ATMAC, part of the Australia Government's Agri-Business Expansion Initiative (ABEI).
- The Government has invested $85.9 million through ABEI to help Australia's agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries diversify and expand exports.
