Apples from US IRA expert panel meeting 1, 29-30 July 2009
The expert panel for the import risk analysis (IRA) for apples from the US Pacific Northwest states met in Canberra on 29-30 July 2009.
The meeting focussed on:
Methodology
The meeting identified areas in the draft IRA where more clarification on the process used in initiation and categorisation for phytosanitary pests would be useful. There was discussion on the wording used where BA takes existing policy into consideration when carrying out risk assessment for quarantine pests.US apple production
The meeting identified areas in the draft IRA where more information on commercial production practices would be useful.Pest risk assessment
The risk assessments for the arthropod pests and disease-causing pathogens were discussed and technical advice provided. Presentation of the assessments for quarantine pests that had not been recorded in the exporting states was also discussed.Pest risk management
The meeting discussed proposed risk management measures for the quarantine pests assessed as not meeting Australia’s appropriate level of protection. The meeting identified areas where the basis of the proposed measures could be clarified.Next steps
Biosecurity Australia will provide a copy of the revised draft IRA report to the panel members. The panel members will be asked to indicate whether they consider the prepared report to be in a suitable state to be released to the public for comment.Expert panel for the import risk analysis for apples from the US Pacific Northwest states