FRESH ginger exports to Australia has resumed after a lapse of three years.
Confirming this, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) stated that it ensured that Fiji’s fresh ginger export sector makes a grand comeback and this has led to the resumption of fresh ginger exports to Australia after a lapse of three years.
According to the authority, Fiji-based company Sai Yee Foods Industries Ltd took the lead in tapping into the Australian fresh ginger market.
The company exported 1500 kilograms (1.5 tons) of fresh ginger in the first week of August followed by 500 kilograms (0.5 tons) in the third week to benchmark an impressive 2 tons as part of the recommencement of Fijian fresh ginger exports to Australia.
Fresh ginger is a speciality produce and Fijian grown ginger has made for itself niche markets overseas attracting good prices for local exporters and the growers.
BAF chief executive officer Hillary Kumwenda said because of the three-year lapse, a lot of works behind the scenes were undertaken by the BAF team and the Ministry of Agriculture.
BAF under its mandate as a competent authority in facilitating trade of agricultural products were determined to work with the stakeholders to see that fresh ginger makes an imposing re-entry into the Australian market.
“BAF team was always on hand to guide and train the exporter’s quality controllers which also contributed greatly to this achievement,” Mr Kumwenda stated.
“We deployed additional resources to make sure our officers as well as the exporter’s staff were familiarised with the fresh ginger export pathway requirements and the rigid inspection processes.”
Mr Kumwenda also commended the exporter and BAF officers who tirelessly worked round the clock by ensuring that all phytosanitary requirements for the initial all-important consignments were adequately met.
