We are all aware of how long it takes to gain market access in order to export a particular fruit or vegetable to an overseas destination.
It takes years of work by scientists from both the exporting country and the destination country.
It takes years of effort from grower organizations supporting and gathering the necessary data to assist government trade officials; and meeting with and alerting politicians to the potential increase in jobs and exports.
Finally, when the breakthrough comes, it’s time to get on with business. However, there can be times when the unexpected happens—like a surge in milk powder exports to Asian countries.
Nothing wrong with good demand for healthy milk products manufactured in Australia. The manufacturers are doing a good job exporting a product in strong demand.
The demand has been so strong that Australian parents shopping at some supermarkets for powdered milk products have found bare shelves.
Opportunists hampering fruit exports
It seems that opportunists have been cleaning out some supermarkets of milk powder products, taking them home and privately air freighting product to Asian countries.
Packages are dispatched, often from a backyard operation, with no quality assurance or independent audit.
This might all be very well but if their export business delays the export of horticultural products, including cherries, then something is wrong.
Need for common sense
It would be sensible if highly perishable products like fresh cherries have a higher priority for air freight than canned milk products (which can be delayed without spoiling).
A solution to this problem needs to be found. I think it is an outrage. What do you think?
