U.S. seeks blueberry and apple access in New Zealand and Australia
USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg led a trade mission to Australia and New Zealand focused on expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products.
More than 60 U.S. businesses participated alongside representatives from 11 state departments of agriculture and 15 agricultural industry organizations. USDA organised more than 150 business-to-business meetings between U.S. exporters and buyers across Oceania.
Fresh produce was among the products discussed during the mission. In New Zealand, talks focused on potential market access for U.S. blueberries, while the delegation also visited local markets where U.S. table grapes are sold. Discussions with New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries covered science-based trade requirements and maintaining market access.
In Australia, Lindberg met Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins, with U.S. apple market access among the topics discussed.
Lindberg said differences in growing seasons between the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand could create complementary supply windows, particularly for fresh produce. Discussions also covered simplifying recognition of organic certification between the countries.
The mission formed part of USDA's efforts to diversify U.S. agricultural export destinations. Beyond Australia and New Zealand, Lindberg identified Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, as another market for potential additional U.S. agricultural exports.
