Japanese quarantine authorities have agreed to the new protocol after years of work by the Federal and Tasmanian governments and industry.

Exports of Tasmanian cherries under the new system are expected to begin in December, just in time for the Australian cherry harvest.

Tasmania has exported cherries to Japan for a number of years, but the new protocol means the cherries no longer need to undergo pre-export fumigation treatment.

The treatment was previously required to control the risk of codling moth – a common pest in apples – but growers were concerned it significantly reduced the shelf life of the cherries.

A new compliance program has been developed to control codling moth in Tasmanian orchards, without the need for fumigation.

Tasmanian cherry exports have doubled in the last two years and are expected to reach $34 million within the next five years.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke, said the Rudd Government would continue working to help improve access for Australian farm produce to international markets.

"The first farm I visited in Tasmania was Tim Reid’s cherry farm where we discussed the need for revised export protocols for cherries," Mr Burke said.

"Mr Reid was then among the farming industry representatives to accompany me on a trip to Japan where I raised a range of agricultural issues, including Australian cherry exports.

"I met with Japan's former Minister of Agriculture, Masatoshi Wakabayashi, who agreed to progress the application and now we have this fantastic outcome for industry."