- Premium quality Western Australian oranges now available
- McGowan Government supporting WA citrus industry to grow and flourish
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis has launched the 2023 Western Australian citrus season today, with premium quality WA oranges, mandarins and lemons about to hit retail shelves.
The value of WA citrus production has doubled in the past eight years, with more than 1000 hectares now grown from the West Midlands through to Harvey, with smaller areas located at Manjimup, Carnarvon and Kununurra.
The increased production comes as three new large-scale orchards near full production, adding to the expansion of existing operators and an industry trend toward higher density plantings.
The McGowan Government is supporting industry growth by partnering with grower-led research and development, including root stock and variety trials, exploring protective cropping options, improved integrated pest management strategies and water use efficiency.
It is also assisting industry to capture new market opportunities via investments in export development and technology improvements, as part of the Value Add Agribusiness Investment Grant and Asian Market Export initiatives.
International interest in WA oranges continues to grow, with current exports destined for China, Hong Kong, the Persian Gulf and Japan – which recently became WA’s top market, with shipments more than doubling over the past three years.
A range of citrus farmers, packers and large supermarkets are members of the State Government initiative Buy West Eat Best, which identifies locally grown, processed, prepared and served food and beverages with its distinctive green bite logo.
WA citrus has featured in several WA Government export promotions in recent years, including in Thailand, Japan and India.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“I am excited to launch the 2023 WA citrus season, with premium local oranges and mandarins now available in retail outlets for consumers to enjoy.
“I welcome the work by the WA citrus industry and Northern Valley Packers, negotiating with a major retailer to only stock WA oranges in its stores when available.
“This industry’s growth has been impressive, reinforced by supply chain collaboration and a clear direction for the future guided by a new WA Citrus Strategic Plan.
“Our Government is committed to helping the WA citrus industry to realise its potential by supporting research and development on the ground, as well as exploring opportunities through inbound and outbound trade delegations to generate ongoing benefits to the economy and communities.”
