Aussie apple farmers win against supermarket giants after China trade expanded
Previously China would only take apples from Tasmanian growers due to biosecurity concerns over fruit flies.
However, the finalised deal, which was confirmed in April but officially signed during Anthony Albanese's trip to China, will allow mainland farmers to now also access the market.
Apples and Pear Australia Ltd industry head Jeremy Griffith said the deal would give Aussie apple growers an 'extraordinary' opportunity,' with exports set to target a premium market.
'Horticultural sectors are very reliant on Coles and Woolies so any opportunity for the price not be dictated by Coles and Woolies is very important for growers,' he told NewsWire.
Mr Griffith said increasing Australia's apple presence in China was a 'long-term' plan, and while some farmers will be ready to export following a February harvest, most will need to finetune the variety and qualities of the fruit.
It's expected 'very red and very sweet' varieties such as Australian Pink Lady and Bravo apples will be well-received, in addition to Fuji apples.
'There can be lots of opportunities if you hit that a niche market but it's a very competitive global market,' he said.
'It's a very long term opportunity and we need to get this absolutely right.'
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the deal was a 'significant milestone' for the $680m industry and the Australia-Chinese trading relationship.
'The Chinese market offers strong export growth potential for Australian producers with a large consumer base and premium price points for high-quality branded products,' she said.
'This outcome will support our agricultural industry to grow toward a $100bn sector, and the Australian horticultural sector to meet its target of $20bn by 2030.'
However the Coalition has raised concerns as to why Mr Albanese was not able to cinch a similar deal for Aussie blueberry farmers.
Coalition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan, who has been doggedly pushing for an outcome, criticised the slow process and said Thursday's news was a 'reannouncement' from April.
'The fact they're re-announcing apples is non-consequential because they announced that two months ago, so we were hoping that blueberries would get approved,' he said.
'Blueberries were formally placed on the government's priority list for market access years ago, with agreement from the Chinese government as part of negotiations to progress priority fruits from each country.
'Despite this, they remain locked out of the Chinese market.'
However Labor says it has already removed trade barriers on lobster, wine, red meat and copper ores, totalling to $20bn of trade.
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