25 November 2016
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the release of the Final report for the non‑regulated analysis of existing policy for table grapes from Sonora, Mexico.
The final report recommends that the import of table grapes into Australia from Sonora, Mexico, meets Australia’s biosecurity requirements subject to risk management measures.
The final report takes into account submissions and comments received from stakeholders on the draft report released on 13 January 2016.
Biosecurity Advice 2014/08, of 23 June 2014, announced the commencement of a review of the biosecurity import requirements (non-regulated review of existing policy) for table grapes from Sonora, Mexico, into Australia. Biosecurity Advice 2016/02, of 13 January 2016, announced the release of the draft report for a 30 day stakeholder consultation period.
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the release of the Final report for the non-regulated analysis of existing policy for table grapes from Sonora, Mexico. Comments from stakeholders on the draft report were taken into consideration in preparing the final report.
The final report identifies 19 quarantine pests associated with table grapes from Sonora, Mexico, that require risk management measures. Eighteen of these pests are arthropods and one is a fungal pathogen. In addition, two spiders were identified as pests of human health concern and also require risk management measures.
Two quarantine pests, Pacific mealybug and Kanzawa spider mite, have been identified as pests of regional concern for Western Australia. One quarantine pest, western flower thrips, has been identified as pest of regional concern for the Northern Territory. The recommended risk management measures take account of these regional differences.
The final report recommends a range of risk management measures combined with a system of operational procedures to ensure biosecurity standards are met. These measures are considered to reduce the risk posed by the 19 quarantine pests, and two pests of human health concern, and achieve the appropriate level of protection for Australia.
These measures are consistent with Australia’s existing policy and include:
- visual inspection and, if detected, remedial action for the ladybird, sharpshooters, mealybugs, moth, spider mite and thrips
- area freedom, irradiation or cold treatment for fruit flies
- area freedom, irradiation, methyl bromide fumigation, systems approach approved by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources or combined sulphur dioxide/carbon dioxide fumigation followed by cold treatment for spotted wing drosophila
- area freedom, sulphur pads or combined sulphur dioxide/carbon dioxide fumigation for grapevine phylloxera
- area freedom or systems approach approved by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for black rot
- systems approach approved by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources or combined sulphur dioxide/carbon dioxide fumigation for spiders of human health concern
- a supporting operational system to maintain and verify the phytosanitary status of export consignments.
The final report and information about the risk analysis process are available from the department's website. Printed copies of the report are available, if required.
Dr Marion Healy
First Assistant Secretary
Plant Division
Contact: Deb Langford
Telephone: +61 2 6272 5094