Queensland horticulture eyeing Asian market expansion

The Queensland Government is partnering with Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) to deliver a $16.5 million investment in the future of the state’s horticulture exports.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Economic Development, Bill Byrne said Queensland has a hard-earned reputation for superior products with Asian consumers and this investment has an eye on retaining and expanding lucrative Asian markets.

“I am pleased to say this significant investment will ensure our fruit, nut and vegetable industries continue to supply world-leading freshness and consistency of product to consumers across the globe,” the Minister said.

“The national four-year project will explore a tightening of export operations along all stages of the supply chain – from the way produce is packed, to how it is stored, to shortening the time from picking to arriving on supermarket shelves.

“The project will help growers and producers better understand the condition of their products on arrival and their products’ ability to withstand in-country distribution to the retailer and consumer.

“We will be working across commodities and producers to make sure they are aware of the latest developments along the supply chain, and they have access to implementing this technology from the packing shed to the consumer’s shopping basket.

“A number of leading producers, including mango, stonefruit and citrus growers, had already shown their interest in partnering with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in the project.

“This is a significant investment in leading post-harvest research and development. We will be ensuring our products are delivered to consumers using the most up-to-date systems of storage and transport.

The Minister said a project team consisting of DAF staff with extensive expertise in supply chain research would be based around Queensland to work with industry across commodities.

“While mango, citrus and stonefruit are already on board, we want other commodities to access the project because we want all of our horticulture industries to become export ready,” he said.

“Our rural industries underpin Queensland’s economy, and this project will enhance our horticultural exports and allow us to meet the ever-increasing demand from Asian markets.”

Horticulture Innovation Australia Chief Executive John Lloyd said the four-year project would ensure Asian markets enjoyed the best Australian produce possible.

“This project will have significance nationally so this is an exciting time for Australia’s horticulture exporters,” Mr Lloyd said.

“It’s no secret Australian produce is popular in Asian markets because of its high-quality and strong aesthetic. We look forward to working with the Queensland Government, and industry, to help propel the nation’s export offering to unprecedented levels.”

One of the foundation partners, mango grower and exporter Manbulloo, has already seen the value of the project through a scoping study to Korea and China this season.

Scott Ledger, Quality and Supply Chain Manager with the company said the knowledge they have gained from monitoring their supply chain has already proved the worth of the project for them.

“It will build on our current knowledge by developing real time monitoring systems that will enable us to deliver a more consistent, high quality product into these exciting markets,” he said.

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