THE Australian government has welcomed talks with its regional partners on improving biosecurity market access for horticultural exports.

Minister for agriculture David Littleproud said the spirit of co-operation was clearly evident during a workshop Australia co-chaired with the Philippines this week covering phytosanitary treatments for horticulture.

More than 100 government officials attended the 17 November biosecurity market access workshop.

Horticultural exports are required to undergo certain treatments before export to comply with importing nations’ biosecurity arrangements.

“The workshop focused on exploring ways to improve market access through innovations in phytosanitary treatment and options to standardise approaches across the region,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Better harmonisation of standards and improved biosecurity market access supports diversification of export destinations for our exporters and reduces trade barriers across the region.

“The workshop sought broader and deeper understanding of modern phytosanitary treatments in the region, featuring video introductions of cutting-edge Australian vapour heat treatment facilities in Queensland and a new irradiation facility in Melbourne.

“Indonesia’s Agricultural Quarantine Agency provided a presentation on its biosecurity treatment management system.”

Officials from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia and India participated in the biosecurity market access workshop.