INDIA-DOOR OPENED FOR AUSTRALIAN DAIRY PRODUCTS.
Australian milk products can be exported to India for the first time since 2003, after years of detailed negotiations between the two governments were successfully concluded.
Australian dairy exports to India were worth around $6 million annually in 2003 for products including milk powder concentrate and lactose.
According to the Federal Government that figure is expected to grow once trade recommences in the near future.
The announcement from Trade Simon Crean and Agriculture Minister Tony Burke today states that industry can also expect to gradually seek a share of other Indian dairy markets, such as cheese which is currently worth $4 million and growing at 100pc per annum.
Trade ceased in late 2003 when India changed its import requirements.
The re-opening follows the Indian Government’s approval of a new system for the health certification of Australian milk products developed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
"India’s changing demographics—particularly its growing middle class and urbanisation—is creating real potential for the trade growth and Australia is well placed to provide high-value dairy products," Mr Crean said.
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said Australian dairy producers were under pressure from factors including global input prices and the falling farmgate price.
"This will be a great opportunity for the industry at a time when Australian dairy producers have been going through a difficult period," Mr Burke said.