Aussie apple exports set to rise thanks to government grants

Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) has been awarded a $450,000 Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant by the Albanese Government, to investigate the combined effectiveness of orchard and packhouse practices in managing pests that restrict trade in fresh apples.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said that by quantifying the effectiveness of Australia’s best-practice farming methods, our growers will be able to produce a premium product for export with fewer chemical treatments.

“This grant will enable APAL to improve export opportunities for Australian apples to premium markets across Asia by ensuring we can sustainably deliver the highest quality fruit to the highest-paying markets in the world,” Minister Watt said.

“By looking at how farming methods control pest presence along the export pathway, this research could also be used to improve trading opportunities for other industries.”

Minister for Small Business Julie Collins said unlocking new markets will help Australian businesses grow.

"We have some of the best produce in the world and with some help from the Albanese Government, Apple and Pear Australia will have more tools in the toolkit to help Aussie producers thrive,” Minister Collins said.

“It’s particularly exciting to announce this funding in the Huon Valley which is home to some of the most innovative growers in the country.”

Apple and Pear Australia Limited Chief Executive Officer Phil Turnbull said the ATMAC grant would enable industry to better understand and measure the impacts of in-field pest management and packhouse practices to reduce phytosanitary risks in apple exports.

“This grant will not only improve the processes in export pathways, but it will also increase export opportunities for Australian growers while delivering higher quality fruit to consumers,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Together with the CSIRO, the Australian apple industry will invest in world-leading science that will create export pathways not currently available to Australian growers, including the potential removal of the use of methyl bromide in export practices.”

The Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program provides grants for projects that harness opportunities to access new markets and strengthen market presence through existing channels for agricultural commodities affected by market disruptions and which have restricted access to key destination markets.

More information on ATMAC is available at www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/market-access-trade/atmac.