GROWING new export destinations and increasing biosecurity protection are necessary to continue expanding the Riverland’s citrus production, according to a peak industry body. 

Citrus Australia last week outlined the priority areas that would need to be focused on following the upcoming federal election. 

Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said government support was necessary to assist the development of new overseas export markets. 

“There has been much hard work and investment through all sectors of industry to grow our export market sales,” Mr Hancock said. 

“Maintaining those markets and developing new markets will take a similar level of effort and commitment, and we call on both parties to support our industry through ministerial representation on the front line.

“Citrus Australia is now enhancing its efforts in the subcontinent. Government funding to help open this market of one billion plus people will result in additional export dollars for the national economy, filtering down to increased investment in regional and rural areas, with further flow-on effects.”

Mr Hancock said shipping delays and an increase to transport costs, caused by Covid-19, continued to impact local citrus producers. 

“Our growers and agribusinesses work so hard to produce world-class export product only to have it held up by freight delays,” he said. 

“For perishable goods like horticulture products these delays have significant impact on the delivery of premium quality product to its final destination.”

Mr Hancock said it was necessary to finalise the National Biosecurity Strategy to ensure citrus producers were protected from international pests.