On Tuesday 30 January 2018 the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources released an Industry Advisory Notice for 60 days of public consultation relating to its intention to revise and increase the costs charged to exporters of horticultural products.

The Cost Recovery Implementation Statement Plant Exports Certification 2017-18 proposes the following key changes to export fees and charges:

  • implementing a tonnage charge of $3.40/tonne on exports to protocol markets, and $1.70/tonne on exports to non-protocol markets; and
  • increasing the cost of a Phytosanitary Certificate from $38 to $76.

AUSVEG will make formal representations and submissions to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on behalf of the vegetable industry.

Exporting growers are encouraged to make a submission to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources outlining the impact that increased export charges will have on their business.

The deadline for submissions is 5.00pm on Friday 30 March 2018.

To discuss the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement Plant Exports Certification 2017-18 or the consultation process, please contact Michael Coote at AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277 or email michael.coote@ausveg.com.au.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Updates published 20 February 2018 and 14 February 2018.