New export market opens up for Tasmanian apple growers

Australian apple growers can now export to Canada without requiring fumigation or cold treatment.

Tasmania currently accounts for 10.4 per cent of Australia's total fresh apple production and the state’s industry is valued at more than $65 million.

Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish said the change in regulations meant that Canadian consumers could experience treatment-free apples from the state.

“We’re always pleased when we get greater and improved market access to countries around the world, and Canada is no different,” Mr Cornish said.

“To have a treatment-free pathway to Canada now, after many years, is good news.”

However, Mr Cornish said it was unlikely to be a big export market for Tasmanian apple growers.
“It’s a long way away and they do grow their own apples, but a good opportunity is a good opportunity – wherever that may be.
“Our growers are currently doing a number of smaller shipments by air freight through some select markets in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, as well as some of the Pacific Islands.

“Whether that will work with Canada or not is probably unlikely.

“But the more markets we can access without any treatment, which really does affect the fruit flavours, is really what we are after.”

Huon Valley apple grower Andrew Scott said the opening of the new international market gave producers like him another option.

“We’ll look at whether the varieties we are growing are suitable for that market, as would a lot of the broader industry in Tasmania,” Mr Scott said.

“We’re trialling exporting into Thailand and there’s been a little bit going into Singapore and Papua New Guinea.”

His family business, Scott Brothers, has primarily been exporting through sea freight.

“We have been experimenting with air freight that goes out of Sydney or Melbourne,” Mr Scott said.

“The beauty of air freight is that whilst it’s expensive, the product arrives two to three days after leaving us.

“That’s a great advantage in terms of supply and fresh product.”