Citrus packhouse export applications open for 2018

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has released an Industry Advice Notice (IAN) announcing the 2017–45 — Horticulture Exports Program. This means applications are now open for citrus packhouses to be approved for export in 2018 to certain countries.

Citrus packhouses from all states can export to China, Thailand and New Zealand, and can also export to the following countries with some restrictions: South Korea (excluding Queensland); Taiwan (South Australia only); Japan (South Australia only); and the USA (Riverina, Riverland and Sunraysia regions only.)

In 2014, the DAWR and Citrus Australia developed an online system to improve the application and approval process for growers intending to export citrus to some protocol markets. This announcement marks Citrus Australia’s expansion of the online application process to include packhouses and additional markets.

Under the summary of changes section, it states that if your packhouse was export-approved by the department in 2017, Citrus Australia already has your details and you will receive an email from them. However, if your packhouse was not export-approved in 2017 and you wish to export in 2018, packers are encouraged to contact them.