*Fruit Growers Tasmania represents the pome fruit and stone fruit growers within Tasmania. The pome fruit industry (apples & pears) has been long established within the state and for many decades Tasmania was known as the “apple isle”. The stone fruit industry (cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches & plums) is relatively new however it is now a major contributor to the Tasmanian agricultural sector.
Due to the volume of production far exceeding domestic consumption Tasmania has always relied on export markets. Cherry production in the state will potentially double from 2000T in 2006-2007 to 4000T in 2008-2009 and this will possibly mean that Tasmania will be the biggest cherry producing state in Australia. This production figure could increase to 7000T by 2010-2011 and significant new orchard developments are still occurring.
The apricot industry within the state has also undergone massive growth and after a period of rationalisation the apple industry is now also undergoing expansion. In recent years the Tasmanian apple exports have declined due to a strong Australian dollar and strong domestic market however this is predicted to turn around. Tasmania is currently planning a trial shipment of apples into Japan utilising varieties other than Fuji apples that have traditionally been sent. The potential success of this trial could open up significant commercial outlets for Tasmanian apples into Japan into the future. At the same time China is currently reviewing the existing market access arrangement for Tasmanian apples and it is hoped with some changes, the new arrangement will be more commercially viable. With both these markets opening up, significant market development funds will be required to be spent to fully capitalise on these opportunities.
The strong investment in the cherry and stonefruit industry have largely been based on the potential of export markets. In recent years the Tasmanian industry has worked with Biosecurity Australia to access South Korea (cherries) and Japan (cherries under a fumigation-free protocol). Tasmanian cherry exports have doubled since the 2006/2007 season and the industry’s target is to double exports again by 2009-2010, however this target relies heavily on the prompt opening of the South Korean and Japanese markets.
Fundamentally the export capacity of the Tasmanian industry needs to be increased and available opportunities fully utilised. The focus of Tasmanian production has traditionally been premium fruit for world markets and this will continue to be the focus for a large segment of the industry.
Tasmania’s area freedom for fruit fly, GMO free status and pristine image are key marketing advantages, and along with climate and natural resources places the Tasmanian industry in an ideal situation to market fresh fruit to the world.
*Fruit Growers Tasmania Submission
April 2008 |
