eputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Rona Mellor, said the first bulk shipments of Australian canola since 2009 had landed in China as part of a new joint research agreement between the two countries.“The new agreement ensures we recommence the trade in a way that prevents the entry of blackleg fungus into China,” Ms Mellor said.
“Since reaching agreement, Australia has already shipped $80 million worth of canola destined for the Chinese market and is looking forward to more high quality Australian product following in the coming weeks and months.
“Further sales are underway, which is excellent news for Australian growers and Chinese processors.
“DAFF and China’s biosecurity agency (AQSIQ) have been working on the resumption of this trade since 2011. The Australian oilseed industry, along with key exporters in Australia and importers in China, asked DAFF to seek renewed access to the Chinese market on their behalf.”
The market access conditions require that canola be sourced from areas in Australia of low pest prevalence for blackleg and be processed in specific areas of China.
AQSIQ has approved eight ports located in non-canola producing provinces in China to receive the shipments.
The trade will be supported by a joint Australia–China research program into managing blackleg fungus.
“Government and the grains industry worked closely on technical aspects of the market access submission.
“I commend the Australian Oilseeds Federation and the Grains Industry Market Access Forum for their ongoing support and collaboration with DAFF to resume this important trade,” Ms Mellor said.
