Japan Australia Economic Partnerships Agreement signed

Ausveg national manager – export development, Hayden Moore, says that carrots, leeks, spinach, brocc…

Ausveg national manager – export development, Hayden Moore, says that carrots, leeks, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower will benefit most from the agreement with the elimination of the three percent tariff on entry.

Moore also added that Australia's reputation for delivering high quality produce has helped increase the value of exports.

“The increase in the value of vegetable exports from Australia to Japan is indicative of the rise in demand for high quality and safe vegetables in Asia,” said Moore.

Currently, vegetable exports to Japan are valued at over $51 million, and the total value of vegetable exports to Japan has increased by 26 percent since 2007-08.

“There is still work to be done with Japan as far as market access is concerned. A number of commodities cannot enter Japanese for quarantine purposes, such as pumpkins and potatoes. We encourage the Government to increase its focus on agreeing on quarantine conditions with the Japanese Government.”

“This will allow Australian vegetable exporters to realise the full potential of JAEPA. We are hopeful that the free trade agreement between Australia and Japan will provide impetus to the campaign for market access for key commodities,” said Moore.