Australian ricegrowers have had an historic win in gaining long-term access for the first time to the important South Korean market.

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said revised specifications mean the industry now has quota to export 9,030 tonnes of rice to South Korea each year for the next decade.

This represents a vital opportunity for exports of both table and processing rice, Mr McGauran said.

The industry will also be able to bid for part of South Korea’s ‘global quota’ for rice, which will increase to more than 200,000 tonnes a year by 2014.

“This breakthrough follows extensive high level government negotiations between our two countries.

“Work has been underway over the past six months to refine the specifications, to facilitate commercially viable trade.

“South Korea is the eighth largest per capita consumer of rice, and this new access confirms the reputation of Australian ricegrowers as among the most efficient in the world,” Mr McGauran said.

“Australia now has access for rice to Japan and Korea – two of the largest markets for rice in the world.”

The first export shipment to Korea is expected in November, with shipments to continue on an annual basis.
“The agreement underlines the combined efforts of the industry and government to gain improved market access for Australian agricultural products,” Mr McGauran said.