April 2, 2013

China reopens market for Western Australian rapeseed

China has reopened its markets to Western Australian exporters of rapeseed, three years after the import ban that took effect in in 2010 due to concerns over the disease blackleg.

John Slee, chairman of the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia and also vice-chairman of the Australian Oilseeds Federation said that although the markets have just been reopened, exporters are already writing business and it's great for the industry.

"It's very timely as well. Anyone in Western Australia would know the rapeseed crop's been on the increase as returns have been probably more favourable compared to other crops, and it is a great break-crop or rotational crop in our farming system," he said.

"We really need to have access to all global markets and China's become a very important global market for all oilseeds, especially rapeseed."