In an Australian first, broccoli direct from the Lockyer Valley has been exported to Seoul in South Korea this week.

South Korea is Asia’s fifth largest economy and 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, who also benefit from trade deals with Korea.

“This is really exciting for us” said Michael Sippel, Chairman of Lockyer Valley Growers. “Currently only 1% of vegetable imports into South Korea come from Australia and consumer tastes and demand for luxury and high-quality food products are increasing” added Michael.

Until recently, confusion in Australia existed about whether broccoli and other leafy green vegetables had market access into South Korea. Korean authorities recently confirmed access and the first shipment of Australian Broccoli landed in Seoul this week following a direct flight from Brisbane.

“Our vegetable producers in Queensland are gaining an international reputation as producers of high-quality clean, green and safe vegetables. Vegetable producers, especially those based in the Lockyer Valley wher a lot of leafy-green vegetables are grown, are excited about the export potential for their produce to South Korea” Michael said.

Other leafy-green vegetables that have export potential in South Korea include lettuce, cauliflower, spinach, kale, Chinese cabbage and brussells sprouts.

Lockyer Valley Growers received funding from Austrade as part of the Free Trade Agreement Training Provider Grant and are implementing the project in conjunction with Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Bowen-Gumlu Growers Association and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.