In today’s talking points: New horticulture market access priorities for blueberry exports to China; Queensland government awards grant to researcher developing a ‘plant-monitoring’ system for farmers; Cheese re-allowed to be imported into China; The 2017 Agriculture Expo to Open in Shaanxi, China
New horticulture market access priorities for blueberry exports to China
China and Australia have reached an agreement on new horticulture market access priorities for blueberries exports to the Asian nation. The fruit has been added to the priority list, offering a “significant opportunity for the Australian industry to access another valuable market,” Nationals Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, told The Coffs Coast Advocate. He said the agreement followed continued engagement with China by the Australian government and promotion of the blueberry industry. “Making use into the future of new export markets into China will help support the ongoing productivity and profitability of the Australian blueberry industry,” he said. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, together with the Australian blueberry industry, will now prepare market access submissions to China.
Read more at: Coffs Coast Advocate
Queensland government awards grant to researcher developing a ‘plant-monitoring’ system for farmers
A researcher has been awarded a $300,000 grant to work on developing a ‘plant-monitoring’ system that would allow Queensland growers to be notified about conditions via text message. With horticulture the second-biggest primary industry in Queensland, there is a demand for more affordable smart systems – and Dr Stephen Xu’s system would check “soil moisture, air temperature and plants’ water consumption,” AAP reports. “Dr Xu is trying to come up with a solution that is not only cheaper but can also integrate a wide range of data from different information platforms,” Queensland’s Science and Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said. He will develop a prototype in Bundaberg, north of Brisbane.
Read more at: News
Cheese re-allowed to be imported into China
Chinese authorities have withdrawn an import ban on several types of cheese after a meeting with European Union officials. The ban was initially imposed because the bacteria in the cheeses were not approved in China. To avoid future bans, European and Chinese experts will attend a seminar to update standards. Cheese has grown in popularity within China, with sales up 26% from last year, reaching 5.3 billion Yuan. More than 90% is imported, mostly coming from New Zealand and Australia.
Read more at: BBC
The 2017 Agriculture Expo to Open in Shaanxi, China
From November 5 to 9, Yangling will host the 24th Agricultural High-tech Expo. The main focus will be ‘boosting agricultural modernization via The Belt & Road’. So far, the Expo has witnessed 26.55 million clients in agricultural industries participate in the fair. The Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Industries Demonstration Zone (AHIDZ) has facilitated stable connections with more than 40 countries and regions in areas of agricultural science & technology and industry cooperation. An increasing amount of foreign clients are showing growing interest to actively cooperate with western China’s agriculture industry.
Read more at: Yahoo Finance