13 August 2010
EXTENSION OF EXISTING POLICY FOR THE IMPORTATION OF FRESH MANGO FRUIT FROM THE PHILIPPINES - INCLUSION OF THE ADDITIONAL GROWING AREA OF DAVAO DEL SUR, MINDANAO ISLAND
This Biosecurity Australia Advice announces the completion of an extension of existing policy for the importation of fresh mango fruit from the Republic of the Philippines. This follows a proposal by the Philippines to import fresh mango fruit to Australia from the province of Davao del Sur on Mindanao Island.
The report considers current commercial production practices and recommends that the importation of fresh mango fruit into Australia from Davao del Sur, Mindanao Island, be permitted subject to specific quarantine conditions that are consistent with the existing policy.
Australia has existing policy for the importation of fresh mango fruit from the Republic of the Philippines, which only allows fresh mango fruit to be imported from Guimaras Island. The Philippines requested an extension of market access for fresh mango fruit to include the province of Davao del Sur, Mindanao Island, as an additional growing area.
Biosecurity Australia has prepared a report, drawing upon the existing policies for fresh mango fruit from India, Haiti, Mexico, the Philippines (Guimaras Island) and Taiwan. Pests considered in these policies were taken into consideration and included in the report where appropriate.
The report considers existing commercial mango production practices in Davao del Sur, Mindanao Island, and in conjunction with the existing policy, assesses the potential for entry, establishment, spread and consequences associated with quarantine pests and diseases of mango fruit. It recommends the application of quarantine measures consistent with the existing policy for the importation of mango fruit from Guimaras Island.
Prior to the commencement of trade, Biosecurity Services Group (BSG) will visit mango production areas in the Philippines’ province of Davao del Sur to audit the operational procedures, treatment facilities and area freedom protocols before mangoes can be exported to Australia from the province of Davao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines.
The revised policy for mangoes from the Philippines which now includes Davao del Sur as an approved growing area is expected to come into effect 30 days after the date of this notification. Stakeholders should direct any inquiries regarding this revision to the contact officer before the date of effect.
The report, Extension of existing policy for the importation of fresh mango fruit from the Republic of the Philippines to Australia - Inclusion of the additional growing area of Davao del Sur, Mindanao Island is available on Biosecurity Australia’s website at: www.biosecurityaustralia.gov.au.
Bill Magee for
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive
Contact: Dr Vanessa Findlay
Telephone: +61 2 6272 3933
Facsimile: +61 2 6272 3307
Email: plant@aff.gov.au