26 November 2020
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise the mainland apple and pear industry that applications are now open for the accreditation of orchards/blocks and packhouses to export to Thailand for the 2021 season.
Summary of changes and key points
- Applicants can complete their application forms using the Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) export registration system.
- Applications must be submitted by 5pm AEST, 15 January 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.
- If your orchard or packhouse was accredited by us for export to Thailand in 2020, your details are already in the system and you will receive an SMS from APAL advising that application for accreditation has commenced.
- If your orchard or packhouse was not accredited in 2020 and you wish to export to Thailand in 2021, please contact APAL to access the export registration system.
- Packhouses must provide a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as part of their application which includes processes relating to
- grading, handling and packing of fruit
- hygiene programs
- dealing with pests of quarantine concern including treatment records
- a documented system to allow traceability of fruit back to the accredited orchard/block
- staff training.
- Packhouses that were accredited with us last year do not need to provide an SOP.
- An audit is not required for the accreditation of apple and pear orchards and packhouses for the 2021 season, however we reserve the right to audit properties where non-compliance occurs.
Background
Countries with protocol markets have specific requirements for importing Australian produce. Orchards and packhouses intending to export apples and pears must be accredited by us prior to export.
For specific market requirements, refer to the relevant workplan and protocol on the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) Plants website. To access these documents, you must register as a MICoR Plants user.
Crop monitor training
Crop monitoring is now required for all orchards intending to export to Thailand in 2021. Monitoring must be completed by an approved crop monitor.
To be eligible to conduct crop monitoring for apples and pears to Thailand, crop monitors must complete the generic crop monitor course online through the Tocal College online eLearning hub by Friday 29 January 2020.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Horticulture Exports Program.
If you have any questions regarding the export registration system please email APAL.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch