A new tracking device trialled by the NT Government to help open up export markets has made a successful journey to the USA with this year’s first shipment of Katherine mangoes.

Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles, said the success of the Sendum PT300D device could mean big things for the entire horticultural industry, not just the mango sector.

“As part of our agribusiness sector, the $224.5 million horticultural industry is vital to the Territory’s economy, and supporting its growth is the key to creating jobs,” Mr Vowles said.

“With this tracking device trial we are continuing the support we provided earlier this year when we gave $1.55 million to the NT Farmers Association over three years to fund three new industry positions. A Mango Industry Business Development Officer to grow the sector; a Workforce Planning Coordinator to help source labour, and a Plant Industry Development Officer.

“This trial, supported by Telstra, saw the Sendum device travel with a shipment of mangoes on one of the longest journeys Territory produce makes. During that journey it provided real-time data on important matters such as temperature, humidity and location. It was the first time the device has been used in Australia for a horticultural export.

“The data received suggests some improvements in the temperature of the fruit during transport can be made that will result in the fruit arriving at its destination in better quality. This will help improve the reputation of Territory mangoes, and hopefully the demand, which will create jobs.”

The first two shipments of Territory mangoes, from Tou’s Garden and Manbulloo Mangoes, arrived safely in the USA on Sunday and are on sale in stores now. This follows recent successful mango shipments direct from Darwin to Singapore.

“Most of the USA-bound fruit is going to Texas, and some will be on sale in Los Angeles,” Mr Vowles said. “Some of the mangoes are also playing a starring role at the Produce Marketing Association Conference in New Orleans.

“This is one of the biggest fresh produce showcases in the world, and Territory mangoes will be part of it thanks to the hard work of Department of Primary Industry and Resources staff, the mango growers and funding support from Hort Innovation.

“It is fantastic to see fresh produce taking the Territory to the world and, if further trials of the Sendum device prove successful, it could be used to grow other sectors of our agricultural industry, and even our seafood exports.”