Australian Stonefruit Grower Magazine Issue 2 August 2016 | Page 6

CEO's Report
The yin and yang of
international trade

Concurrent trade and collaboration is
essential and industry has been busy.
Nectarines from Yuncheng City,
Shanxi Province, China arrived
in early August. Reported to be of
“reasonable” eating quality, the

With more than
5 million Australians of
Chinese ancestry, the
future is surely bright
for trade between our
countries.

Not only are imports about
encouraging and growing two-way
trade between Australia and China,
this is about the future development of
consumer markets in both countries.
Developing such collaboration is
also a sign of good faith. With more
than 5 million Australians of Chinese

early season fruit looks a little less

ancestry, the future is surely bright for

coloured than that from the USA

trade between our countries.

and sells for around $1 less/kg. This

Finally , I wish to advise that our

is likely because the Chinese protect the fruit

Annual General Meeting will be held this year

with paper bags while they are developing, although the

at the Horticulture Centre of Excellence, Ferguson Road

bags are removed two weeks before harvest to allow blush

Tatura from 1pm -4.30pm on Wednesday 28 September.

development.
A 40’ container of nectarines was scheduled to leave

The AGM has been delayed to ensure there was no
conflict with the China export audits by DoAWR. The

Dalian for Australia in August, the result of a partnership

program will include presentations by researchers,

between three Australian importers who volunteered

inspection of the stonefruit demonstration orchard and

their time and efforts to demonstrate goodwill and further

a an important guest presentation by Chris Williams,

collaboration with Chinese authorities. The importers,

Executive Director – Plant Programs – National Residue

along with SEDA (Summerfruit Export Development

Survey – DoAWR. Please park the date.

Alliance) chair Ian McAllister and yours truly visited China
to inspect the registered Dalian orchard and facilities
before deciding to purchase the fruit.
Unfortunately, the shipment has not gone ahead – the

Wishing everyone every success for the approaching
season.

– John Moore

result of bad weather that delayed harvest and reduced
fruit quality. Interestingly, the Chinese industry has a
standard pressure test of 9kgs, which is rigidly controlled
by CIQ (equivalent to our ASIQ) for
export shipments. Should we
learn a lesson?

6

Australian Stonefruit Grower | august 2016

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