A delegation from the Australian citrus industry visited with United Fresh staff this week to discuss recent food safety legislation, the Produce Traceability Initiative, and issues impacting the global fresh produce industry. The Australian citrus industry is comprised of more than 2000 citrus growers with annual export earnings of $180 million.

United Vice President of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Kam Quarles and International Member Services Director Melissa Speed specifically addressed the pressing issues of climate change and global harmonization of food safety certification and audit programs with the group.

The delegation, which represented the whole citrus industry supply chain, including representatives from the Australian Embassy; the South Australian Citrus Board;  U.S. importer and marketer of Australian products; and Citrus Australia, a non-profit organization representing citrus growers and affiliated service providers, came to Washington, D.C. to meet with USDA APHIS and the Obama Administration to discuss trade issues and market access.