THE Australian citrus industry will continue to push hard to develop export markets to stave off a potential domestic fruit glut.
Hort Innovation has announced the next iteration of the citrus market development and quality program, which is worth $5.3 million and has been operational since 2009.
The program's main purpose is to increase demand for Australian citrus overseas ahead of significant production gains projected over coming seasons.
Citrus volumes are expected to exceed 1.2 million tonnes within the next five years, from an estimated volume of 750,000 tonnes only a few years ago.
Led by Citrus Australia, the program has helped growers meet strong domestic and overseas demand for citrus.
Areas of focus for the program include technical market access, market development (export and domestic), market intelligence, export compliance, product integrity, fruit quality, sustainability and more.
The next phase takes a multi-faceted approach that will respond to the dynamic and emerging trends in the global space so trade is not only expanded but safeguarded.
Citrus Australia chief executive officer Nathan Hancock said the program's aim is to maintain and enhance the markets available to Australian citrus growers.
"Demand for quality Australian citrus remains strong, particularly in export markets," Mr Hancock said.
"It is critical however that our industry continues to invest and focus on market development with targeted resources such as this program, especially considering the increased supply both from Australia and from other southern hemisphere citrus producing nations."
In the year-ending November 2023, the citrus industry exported $534m and export volume increased 15 per cent to 269,000 tonnes.
Key export markets include Japan, Greater China, Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea.
Around one-third of Australia's citrus crop is grown for processing (juice), one-third is sold domestically for fresh consumption, and one-third is exported to overseas destinations.
Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said while there were still opportunities to grow demand in the Australian domestic market, foreign markets were critical.
"This program is essential to generating demand for Australian citrus, particularly in overseas markets, and ensuring that citrus growers get maximum value for their fresh, nutritious and delicious product," Mr Fifield said.
"This program was co-designed by a diverse group of stakeholders ranging from growers, exporters, packers, researchers and government representatives, as well as Citrus Australia and Hort Innovation.
"We worked together to build out the program of work to achieve the priorities of Australian citrus growers who contribute around $2.9m in R and D levies annually."
