Grape Exporters Get USDA Funding Help

WASHINGTON - May 2/02 - SNS -- The USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service is giving the California Table Grape Commission $75,000 to promote exports to the newly opened market of Australia.

This money will fund promotions, consumer evaluations, technical assistance and trade servicing for the California table grape industry. The United States and Australia have opposite growing seasons, so the trade will benefit both countries.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with U.S. industry, worked with the Australian government for 13 years in seeking to address Australia's stated phytosanitary concerns. An agreement was finally reached in February 2002 that permits California! grapes to enter the market, subject to certain inspection and certification conditions.

With the market opening comes the challenge of introducing California table grapes to Australia's consumers quickly since the first opportunity to sell table grapes begins between late May and early June. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will provide CTGC with money from its Quick Response Emergency Fund program, created under Section 108.