A $109,176 Australian Government investment is helping to streamline avocado industry export processes and assist growers with Japanese and New Zealand market access.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Avocados Australia Ltd has been awarded two grants under the Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE) program extension.

“Australian avocados are a significant horticultural industry renowned for its premium produce here and abroad,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Australian growers produced 87,546 tonnes of avocados in 2019/20, two per cent more than the previous year, bringing gross value of production to an estimated $493 million.

“With volumes of exports on the rise and more opportunities for trade, the Australian Government is helping to ensure growers have access to modern, efficient export systems.

“A $79,200 PASE program grant to Avocados Australia will support the development of an online registration, mapping and phytosanitary data collection platform.

“The project will adapt the current Australian Table Grape Association accreditation system and aims to streamline the export registration process.

“Another $29,976 PASE program grant will go towards the production of educational materials for growers seeking to access Japanese and New Zealand markets.

“The materials will provide guidance on the regulatory requirements and export registration process for export capable growers and packhouses.

“Projects such as these will not only save producers time and money but help ensure Australia continues to build on its reputation as a reliable supplier of clean, safe, quality produce.