2016-42 - Horticulture Exports Program – Export of summerfruit to China, Taiwan and Thailand

1 July 2016

Purpose

To call for applications for approval of orchards, packhouses and treatment facilities for export of summerfruit to China, Taiwan and Thailand for the 2016/2017 season.

Background

The protocols for export of summerfruit to China, Taiwan and Thailand mandate that certain entities be approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources prior to commencement of the season.

Orchards, packhouses and treatment facilities that wish to take part in the export of summerfruit to China, Taiwan and Thailand must ensure that their respective applications are received by Summerfruit Australia Ltd no later than COB Friday 15 July 2016. Incomplete applications will result in delays and may not proceed to approval. Late applications will not be accepted.

The table below outlines which entities require approval for exporting summerfruit to China, Taiwan and Thailand.

*Riverland and Tasmania only

The department can only approve an entity for export if all protocol and/or work plan requirements are met. All requirements will be audited and verified in accordance with the respective protocol and/or work plan. Some entities may require an audit by the importing country authority.

Audit instructions

Growers, packhouses and treatment facilities applying for export-approval will be subject to audit by the department to ensure compliance with the relevant protocols and workplans 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. Applicants must be available during this time and have the following records (electronic or hard copy) available at the time of audit (where applicable):

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

Summary of changes and key points

Please complete the attached application form. Application forms are to be completed and sent to:

Summerfruit Australia Ltd
Email to: CEO

Or send by mail to:
CEO
Summerfruit Australia Ltd
8/452 Swift Street
Albury NSW 2640

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.

The declaration on the application form must list the responsible person and not a company name. If you are filling in the form electronically then you need to fill in the pale coloured areas where applicable. In addition to this you may type your name in the signature section, this will be considered an electronic signature.

For specific market requirements refer to the relevant protocol and/or work plan on the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) Plant website. Work plans and protocols can be found at MICoR Plants. To access these documents you must be a registered MICoR Plant user.

For those considering registration for the fumigation pathway please contact the Horticulture Exports Program (see contact details below).

To register for MICoR go to the registration webpage, complete all fields and submit. The MICoR Plant team will process your registration request. You will be provided with your login details via email.

Contact Information

If you have any further enquiries, please contact the Horticulture Exports Program at Horticulture Exports Program ACT.

Dr Chris Parker
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch