South Australia to get new biosecurity treatment facility 

This first post-harvest treatment facility of its kind in the state will provide inspection, quarantine and treatment of fruit and vegetable produce which is vital for exporting the state’s produce globally. The facility will use pressure cooling and treatment technology and will be the largest-scale multi-treatment and inspection facility in South Australia.

Construction will commence in February 2024 and once completed the project is expected to unlock more than A$100m in additional fresh produce exports over a five-year period. Currently, South Australian producers are required to send their produce to Victoria or Queensland for treatment. This new facility is set to reduce those transport costs and improve profitability.

The project will establish a post-harvest treatment service with pressure cooling and treatment technology, both of which are required to enable export of South Australian produce to more overseas destinations.

South Australia Produce Market chief executive officer Angelo Demasi said the project will be a valuable tool for ensuring the continued supply of produce both domestically and internationally: “South Australia has faced challenges with fruit fly outbreaks in recent years. This nation leading biosecurity precinct will allow us to inspect, quarantine, and treat produce from affected areas, safeguarding our industry and ensuring a stable supply chain,” he said. “It will enable industry to introduce state-of-the-art post-harvest treatment service with pressure cooling and treatment technology, vital for exporting South Australian produce globally. It is a significant step towards making our produce more competitive and sustainable.’’