date:Aug 23, 2013
Citrus and table grape industry leaders fear that some Australia-based Chinese companies are jeopardising hard-won export markets in mainland China by buying fresh fruit directly from local producers.
For the last year, companies have been approaching local citrus growers and offering quick cash for their best fruit. They employ large teams of pickers, mainly backpackers, to cherry-pick premium fruit which is packed locally and shipped to Hong Kong.
Australian Table Grape Association chief