South Australian premium produce flying high

South Australian exporters of fresh produce, seafood and meat now have another pathway into critical export markets, with the Morrison Government securing a critical freight route between Adelaide and Hong Kong.

From today, Cathay Pacific will commence a weekly freight flight from Adelaide to Hong Kong, with each flight expected to carry around 30 tonnes of premium South Australian produce including abalone, tuna, eggs and beef.

In more good news, Singapore airlines has also agreed to extend their weekly freight flight from Adelaide to Singapore for an additional six weeks due to ongoing strong demand.

Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the Government’s $110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism was providing a lifeline to South Australian agricultural and seafood producers.

“With very few international passenger planes flying at present, our agricultural and seafood producers continue to face major hurdles getting their produce into key export markets,” Minister Birmingham said.

“These freight flights are critical to getting South Australian produce out the door during these tough times and helping to keep our farmers and fishers in business.

“South Australian produce like abalone, tuna and beef is in strong demand thanks to its reputation for quality, safety and reliability. To keep and grow these markets we are delivering the flights our exporters need to get their quality product overseas so the export dollars can keep flowing.

“Getting more exports overseas will be crucial to reducing job losses during this crisis and form a critical part of the economic recovery.”

South Australian Minister for Trade and Investment David Ridgway said the flights are a great step forward for South Australian exporters, and another strong example of state and federal government collaboration.

“This is another big win for South Australia on our road to recovery as another crucial supply chain is opened up for South Australian exporters.

“Hong Kong is a key market for our premium South Australian food and wine, and South Australian exporters have seized on this opportunity to get their high-value produce back into the market.

“The more South Australia meat, seafood and perishables we can put onto these flights and transport overseas, the more local jobs we can secure and the more export dollars we can bring back to our state.

“I want to thank both Cathay Pacific and the Commonwealth for their continued support of South Australian businesses.”

The International Freight Assistance Mechanism is part of the Morrison Government’s $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund to support regions, communities and industry sectors that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

For more information, visit austrade.gov.au/IFAM