Japan lifts ban on Tasmanian cherries

Japanese quarantine authorities have issued an official notice approving market access for Tasmanian cherries to Japan. Tasmania's growers who have been seeking access to the Japanese market since 2000 and should be able to commence exports to Japan in the coming harvest season. Tasmania is free from fruit flies of concern to Japan, but Tasmanian cherries will need to be fumigated to address Japan's quarantine concerns over codling moth. Australia's later harvest season; from early December through to February, would be good timing for the Japanese market. The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will continue to work through the details of the import conditions with Japanese quarantine authorities.