THE citrus industry will advise the Federal Government on the rollback of export efficiency powers this week.
The change will see a move away from having a single importer in the US, either immediately or over the next few months.
Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig said the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences had completed a draft review on export efficiency powers.
"This is the first review in the 10 years the powers have been operating, and considers them against the principles of the National Competition Policy," Senator Ludwig said.
"The review included thorough consultation with the horticulture industry, including the Australian citrus industry, which is the only industry to make significant use of the export efficiency powers."
He said he was examining the findings of the review and would consider the industry's advice on a way to progress.
Mr Ludwig noted the citrus industry was the only industry to make significant use of the export efficiency powers.
Currently export efficiency powers are used to ensure exports of citrus to the US go through a single importer, DNE World Fruit Sales, and exports of oranges to China comply with Horticulture Australia Limited's Citrus to China program.
Citrus Australia chief executive Judith Damiani said talks had begun between Citrus Australia and Senator Ludwig to establish how industry would like to proceed. "He has presented two options following the review outcome," Ms Damiani said.
"We are going to change, but we have to decide on a clean cut or a transition plan."
She said Citrus Australia had received feedback from the key US export groups and would finalise its position at a board meeting from this week.
Citrus Australia would make its decision and send it back to Senator Ludwig as he wanted to act on it immediately, Ms Damiani said.
