A delegation of Queensland vegetable growers and industry representatives have just returned from a trade mission to South Korea. South Korea imports more than 70% of its food and agricultural products. The Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) which started in December 2014 reduces trade and investment barriers and helps level the playing field for Australian exporters competing with those from the USA, Europe, Chile and ASEAN countries.

Market access for broccoli was obtained by Lockyer Valley Growers in July 2017 and the first trial shipment of Broccoli to Seoul occurred in August of that year. Since then, Lockyer Valley Growers have secured market access to South Korea for a large variety of vegetables including lettuce, spinach, kale, cauliflower, cabbages, radicchio and other leafy green vegetables.

The extensive itinerary of the trade mission, coordinated with support from Austrade and Trade and Investment Queensland, involved visiting the wholesale markets, port facilities, buyers and importer warehouses, a farm visit, as well as formal meetings with trade officials and retail and wholesale buyers.

Michael Sippel, President of Lockyer Valley Growers said “This tour highlighted that the Queensland vegetable industry, which is valued at about $1.3 Billion, can capitalise on the reduction of import tariffs across many vegetable crops as a result of the KAFTA.

“A key factor for success was exporting samples of a variety of vegetables that were then showcased during key meetings with retail and wholesale buyers and importers."

South Korea has a population of 51.4 million people and the capital Seoul is home to 26 million people. Australia produces clean, green and safe vegetables which has helped drive the growth of broccoli exports to date. There is also significant future growth potential for lettuce as well as other niche vegetables such as radicchio.

“It is brilliant that the three Queensland grower groups have continued to work together to deliver greater export opportunities for vegetable growers in Queensland. Securing market access and tariff reductions enables our industry to continue to gain market entry and greater market share” continued Michael.

The tour was part of project managed by Lockyer Valley Growers Inc, funded by Austrade through the Free Trade Agreement Market Entry Program and titled “Enhancing in-roads to export Queensland vegetables to South Korea.” The project was also supported by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetables Growers.