Fiji has become the first country in the world that will export fresh ginger to Australia, local website Fijivillage reported on Tuesday.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has issued the Provincial Final Import Risk Analysis report for fresh ginger from Fiji last week, which allows Fiji to export fresh ginger into Australia under biosecurity conditions.

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) Chief Executive Elvis Silvestrini confirmed the news, describing the new market access for fresh ginger as a feat for the island nation.

This would not only bring substantial benefits for large numbers of farming communities and their families, but also boost Fiji's ginger exports, bringing more foreign exchange into the country, says Silvestrini.

"Fiji exports more than 830,000 kg of ginger worth about 6 million Fiji dollars ($3.4 million) annually and this additional market will lift the export earnings further, providing a significant trade benefit."

According to the official, "Fiji's ginger is of high quality with a unique flavor and is low in plant fibre, so we are confident it will gain wide acceptance in the Australian market."

Silvestrini said the Government through the Department of Agriculture had implemented a three-year plan to revitalize the ginger industry and increase production.

Fiji exports 1500 tonnes of processed ginger annually, mainly to New Zealand, Canada and the United States for the direct retail market.