April 4, 2006

Australia inks agriculture-technology agreement with China

Australia is set to share its agricultural expertise with China after the signing of a new four-year, AUS$5.5 million (US3.9 million) technical cooperation programme.

The two countries have also reached an agreement that will allow Australia to export venison and venison products to China.

Australia's acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Eric Abetz said the agreement is an opportunity for Australia to share its expertise in areas such as quarantine, environmental management and agricultural development, adding that its experience in rural adjustment would be invaluable to China as it seeks to modernize its agricultural production.

Abertz also said the programme is expected to involve a number of major projects in each of its four years, with grasslands management and dairy already identified as early priorities.

China is Australia's third largest agricultural export market. Australia shipped more than AUS$2.5 billion (US$1.79 billion) of food and fiber products to China in 2004.