2016-43 - Export of cherries to China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and Korea. Applications for export-approval of cherry orchards, packhouses and onshore cold treatment facilities

5 July 2016

Purpose

To advise of application requirements and due dates for cherry exports to China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and Korea.

Key points

Countries with protocol agreements with Australia have specific requirements for importing Australian cherries. Some protocol markets require the department to provide an export list of orchards, packhouses and onshore cold treatment facilities before commencing export from those entities.

Orchards, packhouses and onshore cold treatment facilities that wish to export cherries to China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan or Korea for the 2016/17 season must ensure that their respective applications are submitted by the due dates specified below.

The table below shows the requirements for exporting cherries to countries with protocol conditions.

If you are interested in exporting using the onshore cold treatment pathway for Thailand and/or Taiwan please contact the Horticulture Exports Program.

Registration Instructions

Orchards, packhouses and onshore cold treatment facilities must submit an annual application for export approval to the peak industry body. Applications must be completed and returned by close of business on the specified due dates. Please use either the attached export application form or contact data@cherrygrowers.org.au to complete your application online.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources can only approve an entity for export if all protocol requirements are met. Some protocol markets will be subject to an assurance and verification regime.

Growers may divide their orchard into blocks. Each block must be clearly identified on the application form and on the orchard map by its physical address or geographic co-ordinates.

Workshops

CGA and FGT will be holding workshops for industry interested in participating in the 2016/17 cherry export season. Attendance is recommended for crop monitors wishing to conduct official monitoring for export. Crop monitors who are unable to attend a workshop must register and successfully complete the online training course by the respective application due dates above. Please contact CGA or FGT if you require further information on the online registered crop monitoring training course for cherries.

Audit instructions

Growers, packhouses and onshore cold treatment facilities applying for export approval will be subject to audit by the department to ensure compliance with the relevant protocol and workplan and must be familiar with the department’s auditing requirements.

Audits will be conducted during the fortnight commencing 12 September 2016 for growers, packhouses and treatment facilities in mainland Australia and the week commencing 24 October 2016 for growers and packhouses in Tasmania. Applicants must be available during this time and have records (electronic or hard copy) available at the time of audit (where applicable). An example of records that may be required at audit include:

Growers

• Spray records
• Farm diary
• Orchard hygiene records
• Crop Monitoring records
• Other evidence of control measures
• Traceability records

Packhouses

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Hygiene records
• List of approved growers intending to pack for during the season
• Traceability records

General requirements

For specific market requirements refer to the relevant workplan on the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) Plant website. Workplans and protocols can be found on Micor. To access these documents, you must be a registered Micor Plant user.

Should you have any further enquiries, please contact Horticulture Exports Program by email.

Dr Chris Parker
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations