Plan to grow Tassie fruit and veg sector

Tasmania's fruit and vegetable sector can double its annual sales to about $750 million, says a report commissioned by the federal government.

Spuds, nuts and stone fruit are among the export growth items outlined for Tasmania.

Fruit and vegetables from the apple isle will flood the Asian market as part of a plan to double the value of the state's produce sector over the next six years.

The federal coalition made an election promise to investigate how Tasmania could boost its role as a supplier of fruit and vegetables, and on Wednesday released plans to achieve annual sales of $750 million by 2020.

A report by the Tasmanian Fruit and Vegetable Industry Taskforce, commissioned by the federal government, said the sector must adopt a sales-driven plan, identifying domestic and overseas markets to be targeted by marketing strategies.

"Tasmanian growers and suppliers, to compete with international suppliers, will need to exploit particular niches where they have a unique comparative advantage," the report said.

It listed Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam as examples of markets that are free from quarantine barriers and open to Australian imports.

"The taskforce finds that a targeted, collaborative focus on these markets is required, which may be country or even retail chain specific."

Among a raft of recommendations the report urges the appointment of a facilitator to help identify and exploit new and expanding markets.

In 2012/13 Tasmania produced more than $349 million worth of fruits, nuts and vegetables, with potatoes, onions, carrots, cherries, apples and berries the main crops.

The state grew 86 per cent of all onions exported by Australia in the same year and was responsible for 52 per cent of the nation's cherry exports.

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Tasmanian fruit and vegetable industry employs some 2500 people and can grow bigger.

"The future success of the industry is firmly in the hands of industry," he said.

The report will be further considered by federal and Tasmanian stakeholders.


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