18 September 2023
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise the citrus industry that applications for a voluntary, alternative assurance model and auditing program for accredited property packhouses and farms will open from 1 November 2023.
Summary of changes and key points
- Accredited property packhouses for citrus can voluntarily apply for an additional export function to operate under the packhouse grower supplier model from 1 November 2023.
- The model is designed to streamline audit processes, making it easier and cheaper for industry participants to get their products in to overseas markets.
- Under the model, eligible accredited property packhouse mangers have responsibilities to ensure that regulatory requirements are met at the accredited property farm/s they manage.
- Instructional material is in development to support participants operating under this model. Once the instructional material is published, further communications will be issued.
- To assist industry in understanding the new model requirements and how to apply, we will be holding 2 information and engagement sessions via Microsoft Teams on the following dates:
- 12 October 2023, 2:00 PM AEDST
- 23 October 2023, 11:00 AM AEDST
- Information sessions are open for members of the citrus industry, noting that the same content will be delivered at both sessions.
- To register your interest in attending a session, please email Plant Export Reform Program.
Background
The packhouse grower supplier model is an alternative method of gaining regulatory assurance that horticulture export accredited property farms are compliant with trading partner and export regulatory requirements. The model is voluntary and is considered an additional export function of an accredited property packhouse. Packhouses will have the option to apply the additional export function to their existing accreditation.
Accreditation under the model currently applies to the export of Citrus to protocol markets only.
Under the model, the accredited property packhouse manger is responsible for having controls in place over their grower suppliers. Packhouses will undergo one in-season department audit to ensure packhouse and farm obligations are being met. Growers will not be directly audited, however compliance with farm requirements will be assessed through the packhouse audit. If the audit of the packhouse and their management under the model is found to be compliant, audit of the farm may not be required.
Benefits of the model
Over the 2022 and 2023 citrus harvest seasons, a pilot program was run to determine the viability of the model in meeting regulatory outcomes. We piloted the model with 9 industry participants, made up of 10 packhouses. There were multiple benefits observed throughout the pilot program demonstrating the success of the model.
The model provides an alternative and flexible approach for industry participants to demonstrate grower compliance with trading partner and export regulatory requirements.
By recognising packhouse management controls over their grower suppliers, we expect to see an increased level of assurance through ongoing industry monitoring practices, while helping to reduce costs, enhance trade and increase efficiencies for both the department and industry.
Some identified benefits of the model include:
- Packhouses saved time by not having to coordinate grower audits.
- Some packhouses utilised their existing grower management system to meet our requirements.
- Growers saved on the cost of audits and spent less time with auditors.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email the Plant Export Reform Program.
Rosanna Carr
A/g Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch