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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
Increasing horticulture exports into Asia |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 24 2006 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
Mr LAWLOR: Minister, I refer to page 1-10 dot point 10 at dash 1 and page 1-13 dot point 5 of the Ministerial Portfolio Statement. Could you please outline what the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is doing to increase Queensland's horticulture exports into Asia?
Mr MULHERIN: I am pleased to have the opportunity to highlight the proactive approach that this government, in particular my department, has taken to not only increasing horticultural exports but also ensuring a strong and viable future for Queensland's horticultural enterprises by building our international competitiveness. In 2005-06 the government took the lead and established the Asian markets for horticulture initiative, investing more than $1.5 million in horticultural market development. This three-year program adopts a whole-of-department approach to focus the extensive expertise of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in market access and supply chain research, combined with our trade and market development skills, on targeted new market opportunities in Asia and the surrounding regions. With coinvestment and collaboration of industry, exporters and agribusinesses, the initiative is supporting projects which will lift export opportunities for fresh fruit and vegetables. Engagement across the entire value chain is recognised as an essential ingredient to achieve international competitiveness of Queensland's horticultural industry. Already this year the initiative has conducted an extensive consultation process of Queensland exporters which has resulted in projects to find solutions to things such as citrus black spot, a disease which is restricting Queensland's ability to export our quality mandarins into New Zealand and the US.
In addition, the department has commenced projects to find control methods for mango seed weevil, a pest which is highlighted in import protocols for mangoes into China-China is a huge market and has huge potential-Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. This applied research is critical to the development of lucrative markets for Queensland mangoes, as the member for Tablelands would attest to. The Asian markets for horticulture initiative has worked closely with the mango industry to develop an export action plan and is taking that plan forward to the new financial year with projects that will combine research with market development and intelligence to expand mango sales in the near Asian markets. The initiative is also supporting the citrus industry to profitably access the newly opened China market for citrus, and we will be undertaking a trade mission to China in September to build relationships and raise the level of understanding of this important new market.
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 4:26 PM
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