The Andrews Labor Government is growing Victoria’s thriving horticulture industry by reducing barriers to trade and improving access to new markets, supporting industry-led innovation and research.
Speaking at the Australian Horticultural Exporters Association (AHEA) Export Forum today, Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, said last week’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget reinforced the Labor Government’s commitment to support and grow Victoria’s horticulture industry, as the nation’s largest producers of almonds, table grapes and stone fruits by value and volume.
The Budget provided $5.2 million to establish a specialised trade unit to support trade negotiations and address trade barriers, and $1 million for the Horticulture Innovation Fund to help re-invigorate the sector to make it more productive, globally competitive and sustainable.
The Labor Government’s inbound trade mission program will further support the industry by giving international buyers seeking quality fresh horticultural produce an opportunity to experience first-hand the best Victoria has to offer.
With support from industry, the Labor Government will also showcase Victoria’s quality exports to key international customers via a series of outbound trade missions scheduled throughout 2015.
The AHEA Export Forum was held during the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Australia-New Zealand Fresh Connections 2015, which aims to connect businesses to build their networks and strengthen the marketing of fresh produce in both domestic and export markets.
Victoria’s $2.4 billion horticulture industry employs more than 9000 people and accounts for more than half of Australia’s horticulture exports, worth $894 million.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford
“Investment and innovation are critical if we want to grow our horticulture industries and boost exports.”
“Victoria is known for its high quality, fresh, clean produce and it’s critical we support our growers to capitalise on each and every opportunity.”
“We want Victorian produce on tables across our region and the world.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020