Six delegations from Australia and six delegations from China will make reciprocal country visits between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2013 under the 2012-13 Australia-China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement (ACACA) funding round.

Minister Ludwig said the programme enabled the two countries to continue to share agricultural expertise.

“For 50 years, Australia and China have cooperated on agriculture,“ Minister Ludwig said.

“Labor Government’s have continued to build on that relationship ever since.

“In 1984, former Primary Industries Minister, John Kerin, signed the ACACA, enhancing partnering opportunities in agriculture, fishing and forestry by helping to develop trading relationships and facilitating the exchange of technical information between our two countries.“

Successful applicants include Summerfruit Australia Limited, Murdoch University, Australian Walnut Industry Association, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Southern Rocklobster Limited and the Australian Fodder Industry Association.

“The programme offers a valuable opportunity for Australians to visit locations within China, make business contacts and share key lessons with their industry,“ Minister Ludwig said.

“The Australian delegations to visit China will focus on a range of agriculture-related areas, including assisting China’s dairy and beef production by providing information about the benefits of oaten hay, and China’s planned large-scale reforestation programme.

“Other Australian delegations will concentrate on export markets for Australian summerfruit to China, collaborative opportunities with the Chinese walnut industry, economic and technological links with the beekeeping industry, and strengthening the lobster supply chain into China.

“Our trading relationship with China is very important to Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries and has brought enormous benefits to Australian and Chinese consumers.
“I congratulate the successful applicants and look forward to their visits further enhancing our trade relationship with China.“

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (MOA) jointly fund and administer the agreement.

Forestry delegation visits are co-funded by DAFF and the State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China. For more information, visit www.daff.gov.au/market-access-trade/iac/acaca.