Apples are grown in all Australian states, but exports account for only 1-2% of output. APAL (Australia Apple and Pear Limited), which represents Australian apple and pear growers, has received a $450,000 grant from the Government to investigate the impact of pest control in orchards and packaging plants on apple exports to reduce phytosanitary risks.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Murray Watt said by quantifying the effectiveness of Australia's best practice farming methods, growers would be able to produce more goods for export using fewer chemicals. The fund will increase Australian Apple's export opportunities to premium markets in Asia, which is the world's highest-quality and most expensive market for exports. APAL chief executive Phil Turnbull believes the fund will help Australian growers export their goods.