New heat vapour treatment to create export opportunities
A new vapour heat treatment in Darwin is set to create hot new opportunities for Territory farmers in lucrative international export markets
Northern Territory
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A NEW vapour heat treatment (VHT) plant at Darwin International Airport is set to create hot new opportunities for Territory farmers in international export markets.
Federal government accreditation for the VHT plant is expected to get the tick of approval by authorities in China, Japan and South Korea opening the door for Territory farmers to send produce directly to lucrative Asian markets.
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It follows an Industry Tourism and Trade (DITT) Department-funded mango vapour heat trial.
Adelaide-based Pak Fresh Handling used the funding to secure three tonnes of mangoes for a test of its heat treatment plant at Darwin International Airport.
Pak Fresh, general manager Robert Hall says the test at the Darwin airfreight handling facility was a great success and the way is now open for exports of Territory fruit, seafood and beef to three potentially huge markets.
The airside 800sq m VHT plant is part of a 6000sq m freight and cold storage hub built with a soft loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
NT fruit has always been sent interstate for heat treatment before being exported, which adds greatly to the cost.
The Territory government said the VHT test is an opportunity for greater exports and increased local jobs.
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The grant funding to Pak Fresh came with a twist.
The mangoes had to be given to community groups after being given the heat treatment.
Pak Fresh donated them to Foodbank and the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation, which has been handing them to children as a welcome back to school gift.
Foodbank chief executive Peter Pilt says it was marvellous to be given 91 boxes of high-quality fruit and he praised the support of the Territory government.
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