CANBERRA: Australian Asparagus Council president, James Terry, has reported an average year for asparagus production in the country. Production has fallen slightly this year but the country has seen a rise in exports however. “Yields have been mixed but overall slightly below average, mainly due to the cold and wet weather, which affected Koo Wee Rup’s production throughout September and October,” Mr Terry said. About 95 per cent of Australia’s asparagus is grown in Victoria, mainly in Koo Wee Rup and some in the Sunraysia district.
“The strong winds that occurred throughout October had some effect on quality and production, however everyone managed to continue with a fairly regular packing and distribution pattern.” Mr Terry, who is the export manager for Momack asparagus in Koo Wee Rup, said export quantities had increased to all major markets, which was a positive sign for the future. Around 30 per cent of asparagus grown in Australia is reserved to be sold on the export market, with the major export destinations being Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and Hong Kong.
