ASIAN MARKETS INITIATIVE CELEBRATES MILESTONE

September 19, 2006

Persimmons, macadamias and mangoes are among the Queensland products making inroads into the Asian market, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.

“The Queensland Government funded export program Asian Markets for Horticulture Initiative (AMHI) successfully launched a number of key projects in its first year and has ambitious plans now for year two,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

“AMHI is a three-year project, led by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, with a $1.5 million funding package focused on increasing Queensland horticulture exports to Asia.

“Since the project’s launch in July last year, a wide range of projects have been initiated with industry and supply chain companies.

“AMHI has focused on boosting mangoes and citrus as an identified priority for industry, with an emphasis both on accessing new markets and maintaining current markets,” Mr Mulherin said.

DPI&F Director for Trade, Markets and Investment Rick Ada said the underlining issue being addressed was management of the strict quarantine barriers for citrus and mangoes into Asian markets.

“Quarantine-related projects include field management of pests and disease, detection of Mango Seed Weevil (MSW), and hot water dipping treatment for Q-fly disinfestation.

“Priority projects have been identified through direct liaison with industry, from the processor to the exporter and industry groups.

“AMHI has developed a network of exporters, producers and processors who are working in collaboration with DPI&F to identify opportunities and issues exporters are facing.

“We also are working across the export industry with stakeholders such as the Air Freight Council, Sea Freight Council, Brisbane Port Authority, shipping companies, UQ, Australian Macadamia Society, Elders, Horticulture Australia Limited, Growcom, Australian Mango Industry Association, QLD citrus and persimmon growers, and packaging companies.”

Mr Mulherin said AMHI was expanding the capacity of its projects.

“AMHI has developed a project for the sea freight of floriculture to Japan, and is working with persimmon growers to improve supply chains across Asia, as well as supply chains for mangoes to Singapore and Hong Kong, and macadamias to Korea,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

“Through AMHI we will also be hosting a market visit to China to capitalise on the market opening up to citrus and mango this year.

“The visit will provide a better understanding of Chinese market requirements and opportunities, particularly through inspection of cold facilities and meeting with importers and wholesalers to analyse the competition.

“By utilising DPI&F’s research expertise in Horticulture and Forestry Science in conjunction with our Trade Markets and Investment group, and industry contacts, AMHI will continue to develop Asia as a profitable market for Queensland horticulture.”

Information on AMHI can be accessed from http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/business/18492.html

Media:David Potter 32396530