8 February 2008
BIOSECURITY AUSTRALIA ADVICE 2008/03 ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS TO IMPORT BULK GRAIN FROM THE UKRAINE
This Biosecurity Australia Advice informs stakeholders that Biosecurity Australia has completed an assessment of low risk sources of maize, sorghum, sunflower and wheat for potential importation to Australia. Advice has now been provided to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) that imports of maize, sorghum, sunflower and wheat (Odessa region only) from the Ukraine could be permitted, subject to strict quarantine conditions. These conditions include a requirement for processing at AQIS-approved facilities in metropolitan areas.
Australia has existing quarantine arrangements for the importation of bulk grain from production areas assessed as being of low risk, subject to strict quarantine controls pre-shipment and on arrival in Australia and processing at approved premises in metropolitan areas.
Low risk sourcing is based on the absence of significant fungal pathogens of quarantine concern to Australia. This is to minimise risks arising from the release of dust, and hence pathogens, during discharge from vessels and loading of trucks moving imported grain to processing facilities. Other risks associated with bulk grain are managed by a regime of secure containment and processing at AQIS-approved premises in metropolitan areas.
Biosecurity Australia has assessed the pest status of maize, sorghum, sunflower and wheat from the Ukraine. This assessment included information gathered during a site visit. Biosecurity Australia has now recommended to AQIS that imports of maize, sorghum and sunflower from the Ukraine, and wheat from the region of Odessa in the Ukraine, could be permitted for processing in metropolitan areas. The conditions for entry are very similar to those in place during drought conditions in Australia in 2002–03. AQIS is now working with importers to ensure all requirements can be met before any import permits are issued.
To address quarantine risks associated with diseases and weed seeds, imported grain must be processed in metropolitan areas. Processing by hammer milling and steam pelletisation is an effective treatment to kill pathogens and arthropod pests, and devitalises the grain and weed seeds to prevent germination.
Louise van Meurs
General Manager
Plant Biosecurity
Contact: Dr Mahmood Nasir
Telephone: 02 6272 3933
Facsimile: 02 6272 3307
Email: Plant Biosecurity