INCREASING EXPORTS TO EXISTING AND NEW MARKETS IS CRITICAL TO THE HORTICULTURE SECTOR AND INCREASED SUPPORT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IS REQUIRED TO EXPEDITE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS. 

Increasing exports to existing and new markets is critical to the horticulture sector and increased support from the Australian government to expedite trade negotiations is essential. This will require a concerted effort across government and industry and increased and sustained investment for protocol markets.  

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers advocates for:  

• Increased funding and resources to expedite negotiations through a whole-of-government approach.  

• Increased resourcing for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to focus on non-tariff trade barrier and red tape reduction for horticulture commodities.  

• Investment in research and development to improve and develop treatment protocols to improve market access.  

• Making clear to trading partners that the resolution of technical access issues is also a trade priority for the government.