1 October 2021
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 and packhouses to export to Thailand for the 2022 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 2 November 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.
- If your orchard or packhouse was accredited by us for export to Thailand in 2021, 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 2021 and you wish to export to Thailand in 2021, please contact APAL to access the export registration system.
- Crop monitor training and assessment for apples and pears is now available through the Tocal College online eLearning hub
- All orchards and packhouses will be subject to audits by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
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.
Accredited property responsibilities – orchards and packhouses
- Orchards and packhouses must apply for accreditation annually (unless otherwise advised).
- Orchards may divide their orchards 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.
- All applicants, including existing accredited properties, must be available for audits, to ensure compliance with the relevant workplan and protocol. Audits will occur pre-season.
- We can only accredit an entity for export if all protocol requirements are met.
- Requirements for accredited properties including management guidelines, audit guidelines and performance standards can be found on the Plant Export Operations Manual.
Crop monitors
Only crop monitors who have completed the online training and passed the assessment are eligible to conduct crop monitoring for protocol markets.
- Online crop monitoring training for apples and pears is through the generic crop monitoring course.
- The generic crop monitoring course is now open via the Tocal College online eLearning hub.
- Crop monitors must complete the assessment by 2 December 2021.
- Crop monitors must be audited for compliance at the relevant accredited property audit
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email the Horticulture Exports Program.
If you have any questions regarding the export registration system, please email APAL.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch