Barnaby Joyce
September 1, 2016
New markets could open in Japan for Australian melons and pumpkins following an agreement struck on technical issues related to market access.
Deputy Prime Minister said the trade deal opened a key growth market for rockmelon, watermelon and honeydew melon growers.
“Through the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement, this government has already achieved elimination of the 3 per cent tariff on pumpkins and 6 per cent tariff on watermelons into Japan,” Minister Joyce said.
“But those opportunities only exist on paper without agreement on the technical market access requirements for exports … the biosecurity processes that allow us to actually ship this produce to Japan.
“Today we have reached that agreement.
“Trade can begin immediately and history tells us that Aussie farmers will do the rest.
“I am confident the world-class quality of local produce will see our growers become very competitive in Japan in very short order, delivering significant benefits to the farm gate.”
Alastair Scott, from horticulture exporter Hannay Douglas Pty Ltd based in Brisbane, said growers across Australia would benefit with major producers in nearly every State.
“The Coalition has delivered a significant achievement in negotiating this latest technical market access deal with Japan,” Mr Scott said.
Australia grows more than 260,000 tonnes of melons and 110,000 tonnes of pumpkins every year.
