Australia allows California, PNW peaches and nectarines

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said peaches and nectarines from California and the Pacific Northwest are now allowed entry across all of Australia.
   “The first shipments of peaches and nectarines from California successfully landed in Australia, passed inspection, and are on their way to markets for Australian consumers to enjoy,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a recent statement.
   On July 19, Australia published import conditions for market access of peaches and nectarines from California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to all Australian States.
   Australia is the seventh largest market for U.S. fresh fruit exports, which were valued at $113.2 million in 2012. U.S. worldwide exports of fresh peaches and nectarines reached $173.3 million in 2012, which is about 3.5 percent of the $4.9 billion worth of fruit exported worldwide in that same year, according to USDA.