AUSTRALIAN cherries and summerfruits will re-enter Thailand after the Thai government released new import conditions.
Revised trade rules, which guard against the risk of fruit fly entering the south east Asian country through imported fruit, ends the three-year block on Australian produce.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said in a statement the resumption of trade was good news for local growers, with many looking forward to realising the full benefits next season.
"There is a record of strong trade relationships and high consumption of quality Australian produce in this market. In the 2010-11 season, Thailand was Australia's third largest cherry export market, worth $1.9 million, and I'm confident history will be repeated," he said.
Under new import protocols, cherries and summerfruit need to be sourced from Australian pest free areas, or undergo cold treatment before arriving in Thailand.
"The cherry industry has moved quickly to take advantage of the recommencement in trade, with eight tonnes of cherries expected to be exported before the end of the current season," Mr Joyce said.
Cherry Growers Australia chief executive Simon Boughey said the decision was a boost to the long-term export opportunities of the cherry and summerfruit industries.
