Monday 01 October 2012
Australia
Talking oranges
LESS red tape will surround South Australia's $350 million citrus industry with reforms passed in the House of Assembly.
One body will be formed to represent the industry, which produces the State's largest horticultural crop for export, while Citrus Growers SA and the SA Citrus Industry Development Board are wound up and dissolved to make way for it.
Acting Agriculture Minister Patrick Conlon said the new regulations would mean less cost for the industry and reduced regulatory burdens because growers would only need to contribute to one fund instead of two.
"This will save them $2.85 per tonne of oranges they produce and $1.85 per tonne for all other citrus fruit grown," he said.
"Our citrus industry will also be able to forge stronger links and benefit from national marketing, research and development, biosecurity and other business development opportunities.
"This is critical in order for the industry to remain competitive and profitable in the future.
"Minister Conlon said Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) would continue to work with the industry and their representatives to manage the transition.
Source: farmonline.com.au
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