29 May 2019
This Biosecurity Advice announces the formal commencement of a review of biosecurity import requirements for greenhouse-grown fresh oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from the Republic of Korea (Korea).
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) expects to release the draft report for public consultation in the second half of 2020.
The commencement of this risk analysis is in response to a formal market access request for greenhouse-grown fresh oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from Korea. These melons are Korea’s highest horticultural priority for new market access to Australia.
A preliminary assessment of the pests associated with fresh oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from Korea has identified that the pests of potential biosecurity concern (as assessed to date) are a fruit fly, a tetranychid mite, thrips and pathogen species.
A preliminary assessment of the pests associated with greenhouse-grown fresh oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from Korea has identified that the potential pests of biosecurity concern are the same, or of the same pest groups, as those associated with other horticultural goods that have been assessed previously by the department and for which risk management measures exist.
Given the similarity of pests of biosecurity concern, and that there are appropriate risk management measures already established for these pests or pest groups, the risk analysis for fresh oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from Korea will be progressed as a review of biosecurity import requirements, 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 expects to release a draft report for public consultation in the second half of 2020. Another Biosecurity Advice will be issued to invite comment at that time. The department will consider all stakeholder comments received during the consultation period in preparing the final report.
The department invites stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses to subscribe via the department’s 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.
David Ironside
First Assistant Secretary (A/g)
Biosecurity Plant Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1)
Email: imports