New Zealand tomato producers have been granted access to export fresh tomatoes to Australia, following a suspension initiated in April 2021 due to the detection of the pepino mosaic virus in a commercial greenhouse.
The reopening of the market is the result of collaborative efforts between TomatoesNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries, culminating in the establishment of a new code of practice. This code has provided the necessary assurances to Australia's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, facilitating the resumption of tomato exports.
"TomatoesNZ has worked with the Ministry for Primary Industries for nearly two years to re-open the Australia market," stated Dinah Cohen, General Manager of TomatoesNZ. In 2020, over 600,000kg of fresh tomatoes were exported to Australia, marking it as a significant market for New Zealand tomatoes. The reopening of the export route, effective from June 21, aligns with the 2024/25 export season, which spans from November to March. Shane Olsen, Ministry of Primary Industries plant exports manager, noted that prior to the suspension, fresh tomato exports to Australia were valued at approximately $2 million per annum.
Source: 1news.co.nz