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Peak stonefruit body urges Aussies to choose locally grown over US imports

Peak industry body, Summerfruits Australia, has urged shoppers to check the country of origin of their fruit, as imported nectarines and peaches are expected to be on shelves when the Australian season begins.

The Fresh Produce Group (FPG) announced that they had secured the rights to import USA grown stone fruit into Australia in July this year following a 20 year ban. FPG said that move gave Australian consumers the opportunity to purchase peaches and nectarines in the winter period when they are traditionally unavailable locally due to seasonality.

Pakistani mangoes were also given space on Australian shelves following approval from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Chairman of Summerfruits Australia, Andrew Finlay, said that consumers need to get behind local industry by purchasing locally grown fruit now that the season is commencing.

 “It’s important for grocery buyers to know imported stonefruit will still be on shelves when our local season begins in October,” said Finlay.

“Support our growers and help save our industry by double checking country-of-origin food labels and make sure what you take home is Australian made,” he said.

The first trays of stonefruit will come from sub-tropical Queensland, followed by Northern areas of Western Australia and New South Wales, then moving through to Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. 

 

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