The United States (US). Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has agreed to expand access for Aussie citrus exports following negotiation from the Australian Government.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud welcomed the news which will see more production areas in Australia authorised to export fresh citrus fruit to the US.
"We value our trade relationship with the US very highly and we are committed to providing the US with our top-quality product," Minister Littleproud said.
"Just last year we exported over $19 million of citrus to the US.
" Our overseas counsellors and technical experts are now working through the details of an operational work plan with the US to support the expanded access.
"Once finalised exports of citrus produced in inland Queensland, Western Australia, and Bourke and Narromine in New South Wales to the US can commence.
"This is excellent news for Australian growers, expanded access will greatly benefit the citrus industry and growers in the additional regions.
"Previously citrus was only exported to the US from the Riverina (New South Wales), the Riverland (South Australia), and the Sunraysia New South Wales and Victoria).
"This win will contribute towards the Australian Government's commitment of a $100 billion agriculture sector by 2030."
FAST FACTS
- Our citrus production# is set to hit about 800,000 tonnes this season
- The vast majority is produced in the Riverina, the Riverland and the Sunraysia
- About 20% is produced in Queensland and Western Australia
- Our citrus exports are worth about half a billion dollars a year*
- The US is a premium market for our citrus, currently valued at about $20 million a year * - and now set to grow with this expanded access.
# The production information has been sourced from estimated production figures provided by Citrus Australia Ltd. for 2021 (including the 21/22 crop). A breakdown for additional areas approved by the US is not available except as a total figure for WA.
* The export values are based on data sourced from ABS using HS code (0805 - Citrus fruit, fresh or dried)
