TOKYO: After just one season of exports, Japan has grown to become Queenland’s third largest overseas market for broccoli. So far the export trade with Japan has injected $1 million into the state whilst creating 25 extra part-time jobs. The success of the first season was even more welcomed due to broccoli not being exported to Japan for more than nine years.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Jackie Trad said the export results were great news for regional Queensland. “On average, Japan imports 36,000 tonnes of fresh broccoli each year. Australia’s national production is at only 50,000 tonnes, so there is a very large export market for broccoli and other vegetables in Japan,” Ms Trad said.
“With broccoli exports to Japan set to triple over the next two seasons, as well as expanding markets and rising demand in both Singapore and Taiwan, it is projected that an extra 40 part-time jobs will be created in new production areas on the Darling Downs and more than $6 million injected into the regions.” Ms Trade said despite the farmers battling tough drought conditions in many areas, the state’s agricultural exports as a whole were still valued at $9.4 billion in 2015, a 17% growth on the previous year.
“One of Japan’s largest horticulture importers, Union Corporation, visited Queensland last month to organise this season’s broccoli exports and is also seeking to expand into other fruit and vegetable lines from here. “DAF is planning a trade mission to Japan and Taiwan in June to build on the success of the broccoli exports, and expand into new products such as cos lettuce, cabbage, packaged salads, nuts and celery.”
