Decision to re-register Harvey Fresh to export dairy products welcomed

31/7/97

Primary Industry Minister Monty House today welcomed the decision by the Federal Government to re-register Harvey Fresh (1994) Ltd to export dairy products from Western Australia.

Mr House congratulated Harvey Fresh on their re-registration, which will allow the company to export milk products subject to completion of the food processing accreditation systems and documentation requirements.

"There is huge potential for growth in the WA industry - in particular through the export market," Mr House said.

"This is a great opportunity for WA to expand its milk product export base and can only mean good news for dairy farmers."

WA has already established an excellent record in producing high quality dairy exports with dairy exports now valued at about $27 million.

"Our close proximity to South East Asia and the excellent quality of our milk place us in good stead for further developing our export opportunities," the Minister said.

At present the main export markets are Japan and South East Asia and the main products exported are milk, icecream and skim milk powder.

Mr House said the WA dairy industry was valued at $134 million last financial year. About 45 per cent of milk produced in WA is sold for the local white milk market and about 15 per cent is used for exported products.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 089 481 2044