- Citrus Australia awarded a $485,771 Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant to help growers target the Indian market
- Funding to support market intelligence, development of business ties and appointment of a celebrity product ambassador
- Position citrus to capitalise on lower tariffs in the new 13,700 tonne quota secured in the interim trade agreement with India signed on 2 April 2022.
A $485,771 Australian Government grant will help Mallee citrus growers tap into the lucrative Indian market with exports of high-quality oranges and mandarins.
Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said growers throughout Mallee had faced serious challenges by market disruptions and global supply chain challenges over the past two years.
“India and the Indian subcontinent present real opportunities for our growers to export our high-quality, sustainable Aussie citrus,” Dr Webster said.
“Our local horticultural industry has gone through some difficult times due to workforce shortages, trade constraints, supply chains and shipping disruptions. The announcement of the India Free Trade Agreement, which includes an invitation for Indian workers to be part of the Ag Visa, brings many benefits that will positively impact our growers
“The Australian Government is putting practical support on the ground through a new horticultural export specialist, strategic relationships with Indian importers, retailers, governments, cold-chain and warehousing providers.
“That will provide Mallee with practical support to get our high-quality fruit onto tables in India.”
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Citrus Australia project would map the Indian market and supply chains, build capabilities and boost sales through business exchanges and marketing campaigns.
“This is a huge opportunity for local Aussie growers,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Australia has the ability to become the southern hemisphere supplier of choice for premium quality citrus products in India over the next 5-10 years.”
“The past 2 years have been marred by market disruptions and global freight and logistics challenges, and India and the Indian subcontinent present real growth prospects for our high-quality, sustainable Aussie citrus.”
Citrus Australia spokesperson Nathan Hancock said regional workshops will inform some 1500 citrus growers about how to capitalise on opportunities in India.
“Our project will provide the support for commercial businesses to enter and grow the market in India for premium quality Australian citrus,” Mr Hancock said.
“The timing couldn’t be better, just as our interim trade deal with India delivering the citrus industry an annual quota of 13,700 tonnes, with a 50 % reduction of India’s in-quota tariff, down from 30% to 15%.
“Where trade to date has focussed on smaller sizes and composite-grade fruit for low return, this project aims to develop high-value niche markets within India for Navel oranges and Afourer and Murcott mandarins.
“Key elements involve developing strategic relationships with Indian importers, retailers, governments, cold-chain and warehousing providers, and the appointment of a celebrity citrus ambassador to support our promotional efforts.”
More information on regional workshop opportunities will soon be available on the Citrus Australia website.
Fast facts:
- Businesses within Australia’s citrus value chain will benefit directly from the Australian Citrus to India: 30,000 tonnes by 2030 project, including packers, exporters, transporters, loading and storage facilities.
- In 2020-21 Australia exported 3,400 tonnes of citrus valued at $4.3m to India.
- The interim trade agreement with India signed on 2 April guarantees the citrus industry an annual quota of 13,700 tonnes, with a 50 % reduction of India’s in-quota tariff, down from 30% to 15%.
- $19 million in grant funding has been committed to date through ATMAC, part of the Australia Government’s Agri-Business Expansion Initiative (ABEI).
- The Government has invested $85.9 million through ABEI to help Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries diversify and expand exports.