23 March 2018
This Biosecurity Advice announces the commencement of the review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh avocados from Chile.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) aims to release a draft report for public consultation before the end of 2018.
The commencement of this risk analysis was initiated in response to a market access request for fresh avocado fruit from Chile to Australia.
A preliminary assessment of the pests associated with avocados from Chile has identified that the potential pests of quarantine concern (fruit fly, scale insects, mealybug, thrips and mites) are the same, or of the same pest groups, as those associated with other horticultural commodities that have been assessed previously by the department.
The quarantine pests associated with fresh avocado fruit from Chile (as assessed to date) are expected to require similar risk management measures to those already used to control these or similar pests on other horticultural commodities.
Based on this outcome, this risk analysis is being conducted as a review of biosecurity import requirements (a non-regulated risk analysis), which is consistent with the Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis Guidelines 2016.
Further information on this risk analysis can be found in the Announcement Information Paper.
The department aims to release the draft report before the end of 2018. The department will consider all submissions received during the public consultation period in preparing the final report.
Stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses are invited to subscribe via the department’s new online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, you will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy, including this risk analysis.
Marion Healy
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division
Contact: Peter Creaser
Telephone: +61 2 6272 5094
Email: Plant stakeholders