The new joint Industry and Investment NSW research facility located at the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast campus will help farmers across NSW to produce clean, green crops that reduce the use of pesticides. It will also help local producers export their goods to

new markets in Asia and beyond.

“Due to research from this state-of-the art facility, NSW cherries will be going to Taiwan, peaches to the United States and nectarines to Japan,” Premier Kristina Keneally said.

“This will help farmers establish long-term and lucrative markets in Asia and other overseas markets.”

The Central Coast region produces about $200 million in agricultural produce including chickens, eggs, citrus and avocados, asian vegetables and fruit - the majority of this produce is for domestic markets here in Australia.

Ms Keneally said the new facility would help gain market access for NSW produce, building on the successes on the Government’s existing program, the Primary Industries Institute in Gosford, which resulted in the reopening of Australian trade with Taiwan for stone fruit and cherries estimated to be worth $30 million.

The new centre - scheduled for completion by December this year - will provide farmers with the latest scientific advice, and potentially secure new markets abroad.