This Biosecurity Advice announces the formal commencement of a review of biosecurity import requirements to import fresh decrowned pineapple fruit (decrowned pineapple) from Taiwan into Australia.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) will prepare a draft report, which will be issued for stakeholder comment in early 2018.
The commencement of this risk analysis is in response to a request for market access for decrowned pineapple (Ananas comosus) from Taiwan into Australia.
Australia has existing import policies for decrowned pineapple from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Solomon Islands.
A preliminary assessment of the pests associated with decrowned pineapple from Taiwan has been undertaken. The preliminary assessment has identified that the potential pests of quarantine concern are the same or of the same pest group as the pests assessed previously by the department for decrowned pineapple from Malaysia and other horticultural commodities, for which import policy exists.
The pests identified in the preliminary assessment as being of potential quarantine concern are mealybugs, armoured scales, thrips and a Phytophthora species.
Based on the outcome of the preliminary assessment, the department will conduct this risk analysis as a review of biosecurity import requirements (a non-regulated risk analysis). The department conducts a review of biosecurity import requirements when relevant risk management measures for potential quarantine pests have already been established. This is consistent with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis Guidelines 2016.
Further information on the analysis can be found in the Announcement Information Paper released with this advice notice.
The next step is to prepare a draft report to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the analysis. The release of the draft report for comment is proposed for early 2018.
Another Biosecurity Advice will be issued to invite comment once the draft report has been completed and placed on the department's website.
Following the consultation period, the department will consider all comments in preparing a final report.
The Biosecurity Liaison Officer will be the first point of contact for risk assessment enquiries and is an initiative the department is trialling to assist stakeholders.
The Biosecurity Liaison Officer’s contact information is as follows:
Pineapple Liaison Officer
Biosecurity Consultation
E: Biosecurity Consultation
P: 1800 068 468
Marion Healy
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division