Bulk grains, pulses and oilseeds can now be fumigated in-transit between Australia and Sri Lanka after the two countries came to an agreement.
The change means a lot of cost and hold-ups will be taken off the plate of Australian exporters.
The new biosecurity agreement is also expected to broaden trade opportunities between the two countries.
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Sri Lanka’s approval was a fantastic opportunity for growers.
“The Sri Lanka market was worth $160 million for Australian pulses, grains and oilseeds in 2020-21, and we hope to grow this important trade relationship between our two countries further,” Mr Littleproud said.
“As the product is treated in transit, it gets to the market quicker and into the Sri Lankan value chain faster.”
Grain Producers Australian chair Andrew Weidemann said it was a great win for Australia’s trade.
“It has been a long sought-after market improvement for Australia’s grain sector, particularly at a time where shipping costs are as high as they are,” Mr Weidemann said.
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