16 June 2009
DAFF09/278B

The Chinese love fresh mangoes and Australian growers are set to reap the benefits after a successful Australian Government campaign that is expected to boost trade.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said China had accepted a revised quarantine protocol for Australian mangoes after detailed discussions.

The previous system included onerous quarantine requirements for proving orchards were free of mango seed weevil and fruit flies, which meant that only limited trade occurred from 2007.

Under the revised protocol, growers have more options for monitoring and surveying their orchards for signs of the pest.

The new system will significantly reduce costs for growers and allow them to capitalise on new opportunities with the coming harvest.

“A boost in trade means more support for Australian agricultural jobs, which is even more welcome during a global recession,” Mr Burke said.

“Our fresh produce is the best in the world and the trial consignments of Australian mangoes sent to China in 2007 were well-received.

“These improved quarantine conditions could see a boost in trade worth millions of dollars to our mango growers.”

Mango-producing areas in Australia include Western Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern NSW and the industry was worth around $100 million in 2008.

Australian Mango Industry Association Chairman Peter Delis said the new protocol will give the industry greater scope for accessing high-quality mangoes, without the onerous task of cutting thousands of mangoes to check for weevils.

“It’s a great opportunity for the mango industry and demonstrates what can be achieved by industry and government working together,” Mr Delis said.

“We expect volumes to dramatically increase with a longer supply window throughout the season.

“With 17 million people in Beijing alone and mangoes being so popular the potential is extraordinary, but it will still take much work on industry’s and government’s behalf to realise the potential.”

Biosecurity Australia and AQIS worked closely with the Australian Mango Industry Association, the Australian Horticultural Exporters Association and Queensland Primary Industry and Fisheries to develop the alternative procedures accepted by China’s quarantine agency.