Final review of existing policy
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Why was the review of policy undertaken?
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources initiated this review in response to requests from the Australian nursery industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) New Zealand, to improve import conditions for Calla lily (Zantedeschia species) dormant tubers.
What is the scope of the final review?
The scope of this review is limited to:
- reviewing the existing policy for the importation of Zantedeschia dormant tubers into Australia;
- reviewing the pest list for Zantedeschia species to identify any new pests; and
- evaluating the appropriateness of existing risk management measures for identified risks and recommend additional measures where required.
What commodities does this review cover?
This review covers the import of dormant tubers of Zantedeschia species from all countries. Zantedeschia species, commonly known as Calla lilies, are used as cut flowers and garden ornamentals. Calla lilies can reproduce from tubers, which are thickened underground organs. Tubers for export should be dormant, which means that they have no new growth.
What changes to the import conditions have been recommended for Zantedeschia dormant tubers?
Several changes have been recommended that will provide greater flexibility to importers, while managing the biosecurity risks and ensuring that Australia is protected from unwanted pests and diseases.
- updating the biosecurity pest list for Zantedeschia dormant tubers to include new pests that were previously not specifically regulated under the existing import policy.
- permitting alternative treatments to mandatory methyl bromide fumigation for Zantedeschia dormant tubers, including hot water treatment or insecticidal dip.
- reducing the amount of time that dormant tubers from non-approved sources must be grown in a post-entry quarantine (PEQ) facility or an Approved Arrangement site, from a minimum of 12 weeks to a minimum of six weeks.
- permitting tubers produced under a systems approach, subject to verification. The systems approach is based on a combination of production practices, crop monitoring and verification of pathogen freedom through certification. Zantedeschia dormant tubers meeting the systems approach requirements are recommended to be permitted entry into Australia without requiring growth in PEQ.
By providing greater flexibility in the conditions, has the biosecurity risk increased?
No, the recommendation to allow tubers to be introduced under a greater range of conditions is based on a comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature and adequately addresses quarantine risks.
Tubers of unknown health will be required to be grown in PEQ, which will allow quarantine pests to be detected during the active growth of the plant. Mandatory on-arrival inspection and treatment will address any risks associated with live insects, soil and other extraneous contaminants of quarantine concern.
The risk of tubers produced under a systems approach is comprehensively addressed off-shore through stringent conditions throughout the production, packaging and export processes. These conditions are then verified on-arrival in Australia.
Has the risk increased with reducing the PEQ period of tubers from non-approved sources?
No, the recommendation to reduce the PEQ period is based on a comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature, which revealed that this requirement adequately address the risk of importing Zantedeschia tubers from non-approved sources. Zantedeschia plants produce sufficient growth to determine freedom from identified biosecurity risks within 6–10 weeks.
Has the risk increased with allowing the import of dormant tubers produced under a systems approach without being grown in PEQ?
No, there are a number of requirements under the recommended systems approach that address the risks associated with imported dormant tubers. The requirements include:
- sourcing dormant tubers from high health mother plants that are free from identified biosecurity risks;
- crop monitoring and management;
- mandatory treatment;
- pre-export inspection; and
- on-arrival inspection.
These requirements adequately address the risk of quarantine pests associated with Zantedeschia dormant tubers.
Does the report consider regional differences?
The Australian Government recognises that certain areas of Australia have a different pest and disease status from other areas.
Differences in pest and disease status, geography, climate, host and vector distribution across geographic regions are always considered as part of biosecurity risk assessments. These variations continue to be recognised through the Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis process under the Biosecurity Act 2015.The department takes account of regional differences in policy reviews, including in this report.
Recognition of regional differences must be based on supporting scientific evidence and meet international standards for regional pests. The Australian government and state and territory governments work together to ensure regional differences, supported by scientific evidence, are reflected in Australia’s import conditions.
Will Australia be adequately protected from exotic pests and diseases?
Yes, Australia will be adequately protected from exotic pests and diseases. This review has identified the risks associated with Zantedeschia dormant tubers and has recommended measures to protect Australia’s ornamental, forestry and horticultural industries and the environment. The assessment is based on the latest scientific information and reflects Australia’s stringent approach to managing biosecurity risks.
Can Australia have zero risk?
Science-based risk analysis provides an important foundation for safe trade. Australia accepts imports only when we are confident that the risks of pests and diseases that could be associated with specific imports can be managed in accordance with Australia’s appropriate level of protection. This requires quarantine risks to be reduced to at least a very low level.
Australia exports about two-thirds of its agricultural produce. The future of our agricultural and food industries, including their capacity to contribute to growth and jobs, depends on Australia’s capacity to maintain a good plant and animal health status. Our future also depends on the conditions our industries face overseas.
It is important to Australia that fair and consistent trading rules are in place around the world, as provided by the World Trade Organization. We cannot expect trading partners to take our produce if we are not prepared to apply the same rules to their products. Nor could we be optimistic about new markets opening up.
A ‘zero risk’ stance is impractical as it would mean no tourists, no international travel and no imports of any commodities. Nevertheless, Australia invests heavily in biosecurity to ensure that risks are managed to at least a very low level.
Stakeholder consultation
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How did the department consult stakeholders?
The department consults stakeholders through the public release of a draft report for comments.
The department released the Draft review of policy: importation of Zantedeschia dormant tubers into Australia for a 30 day stakeholder consultation period on 29 July 2015. All stakeholder comments were carefully considered in the finalisation of this review.
The department has regularly consulted with New Zealand’s MPI and Australian state and territory government departments during the preparation of this final report. There has also been formal consultation with industry representatives at regular Post-Entry Plant Industry Consultative Committee (PEPICC) meetings.
Anyone interested in this review should register as a stakeholder through the department’s website at Register as a Stakeholder.
How does the department address new scientific information?
Scientific information can be provided to the department at any time, including after a risk analysis has been completed. The department will consider the information provided and will review the import policy.