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From Pacific Northwest Growers Seek Finalized Market Access to Australia

How will the search for Australian market access affect Oregon apple growers?

Oregon apple growers may gain niche market access in Australia Pacific Northwest growers, including those in Oregon, are seeking final approval from Australia to export apples. If access is granted, Oregon growers could supply a niche market in Australia during its off-season, potentially at premium pricing levels. The industry is currently waiting for Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to finalize import requirements, a process that has spanned nearly three decades.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 7
Effect
Mild positive
How direct
2 steps, all reported
When
Over the long term
The story
Gone quiet

How it reaches Oregon

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • DAFF recommended in 2022 that apples from the U.S. Pacific Northwest—Washington, Oregon and Idaho—be permitted access under import conditions.freshplaza.com
  • Australian officials outlined a timeline to provide proposed import requirements by early 2025, but two years later, they are still waiting.freshplaza.com
  • The Northwest Horticultural Council estimates Washington apples would account for no more than approximately three percent of Australia's total fresh apple market.freshplaza.com
  • Apples in the Pacific Northwest are harvested from August through November, compared with Australia's February through May harvest.freshplaza.com

Why it matters

For Oregon growers, gaining access means expanding into a new, premium market, allowing them to fill a niche during Australia's off-season. The market is expected to remain relatively small, with the Northwest Horticultural Council estimating that Washington apples would account for no more than approximately three percent of Australia's total fresh apple market.

This effort follows nearly three decades of technical discussions between the U.S. and Australia regarding market access. While Australia already imports apples from China and New Zealand, the U.S. market access has historically been a one-way street for Australia.

What we don't know yet

  • What specific import requirements will Australia finalize for Pacific Northwest apples?
  • How long will the process take after DAFF approval?

What would change this answer

Australia finalizes import requirementsThe market access becomes concrete, increasing the potential for revenue and market expansion for Oregon growers.
Australia continues to cite pest and disease concerns without providing a timelineThe market access remains indefinitely delayed, preventing any concrete change for the growers.

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The full eventPacific Northwest Growers Seek Finalized Market Access to Australia Everything aboutOregon

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