Trade deal to speed Thai sales
PERSIMMON growers across Far North Queensland will now be able to get their fruit on Thailand supermarket shelves faster than before thanks to a new trade agreement.
The agreement delivers a new irradiation plan for fresh produce to Thailand, which involves a safe and chemical free way to manage biosecurity.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said prior to this persimmons could only be exported to Thailand under cold treatment.
He said the agricultural trade between the two countries was worth $2 billion.
“This agreement will help open doors for the Queensland persimmon farmers,” he said.
“To irradiate the fruit it goes into a giant chamber by conveyor belt and the fruit is sterilised, killing bacteria and pests, in this case the pesky fruit fly.
“With this deal done and dusted we can get on to tackling other commodities and get them on this same pathway.
“This will help get our quality produce on to Thailand supermarket shelves faster.”
Mr Littleproud said farmers would also benefit from the recent signing of the Indonesia-Australia comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
“The agreement will reduce tariffs on exports of livestock, beef and sheep meat, grains, sugar, citrus and horticulture produce,” he said.
Mangoes from Thailand will also be eligible for export under the new pathway.