Export of new hybrid Waxflowers from Australia to Israel has always been quite challenging, with a maximum of 25 rooted cuttings per variety and the cuttings then having to spend 3 months in a supervised Israel plant Quarantine facility. This often resulted in no or minimal successful plants and slowed down the release of new Waxflower hybrids on scale. This is explained by Adrian Parsons, Managing Director Helix Australia, who recently engaged the services of Austrade to liaise with Israel Plant Quarantine on exploring a better way of sending in new hybrid material for Israel cut flower industry.
"This really is a massive game changer for us as we seek to increase volumes of our Waxflower hybrids for Israel cut flower growers," he says.
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission-Austrade promotes Australian trade, investment, tourism, and education to the world. Austrade delivers services to grow Australia's economic prosperity.
Sarit Fishbane, Business Development Manager Austrade Israel, was proactive in communicating the challenges for Australian plant breeders to Israel Plant Quarantine. In conjunction with Hochberg Nurseries, a new accredited greenhouse was constructed, which has been approved by Israel Plant Quarantine. Helix Australia has recently sent in their first shipment of un-rooted cuttings ( URC), and this been placed immediately into propagation at Hochberg Nurseries.
Parsons spoke enthusiastically of this tremendous improvement to Israel Plant Quarantine regulation:
"We are grateful to have partnered with such a professional company as Hochberg Nurseries who remain truly committed to the success of Helix's export goals. Austrade were also a fantastic support in executing the vital government-to-government dialogue required to progress to a successful commercial result."
For more information:
Adrian Parsons 
Helix Australia
Email: adrian@helixaustralia.com.au
www.helixaustralia.com.au