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“Chemical Use for Export Toolkit”: Helping Cherry, Summerfruit, and Table Grape Growers Realise Export Aspirations
The Victorian Government is supporting cherry, summerfruit and table grape growers across the state to realise their export market aspirations by building capacity and managing supply chain risks.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas announced this project as part of the first tranche of the Food to Market program to support projects that will add value to food grown and processed in Victoria.
The $15 million Food to Market program is funded through the Government’s Agriculture Strategy and will help to deliver on its vision for a Victorian agriculture sector that is strong, innovative and sustainable.
A partnership of three substantial industry groups, Cherry Growers Australia (CGA), Summerfruit Australia Limited (SAL) and Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) have been awarded $750,000 to deliver a ‘Chemical Use for Export Toolkit’.
The project will provide evidence-based, practical advice to Victorian businesses planning to export their produce.
The project will assist the horticulture industry to maintain and grow existing export markets and support access to new export markets by promoting on-farm chemical use practices that will build export flexibility and ensure compliance with importing country requirements for multiple markets.
Project outputs include maximum residue level (MRL) apps, training and resources to help growers understand and comply with the complexities of export MRL compliance.
The project is a unique collaboration opportunity for three peak industry bodies to work with the Victorian Government to share ideas to build resources for their grower bases.
For more information or a media release, contact export@cherrygrowers.org.au.
Airblast sprayer (Photo: Kevin Dodds, NSW DPI)