Chief Advocate, Rachel Mackenzie, said that Growcom had been a strong advocate for the reform of the Import Risk Analysis process and had successfully lobbied for the IRA examination to be initiated. “We are pleased that a number of our recommendations have been reflected in the final legislation including mechanisms to improve communication and consultation.”

The officer from the Department of Agriculture will have the role of keeping the Australian strawberry industry better informed and engaged during risk analyses. The first challenge will be in identifying the biosecurity risks associated with importing fresh strawberries from Korea.

The Department has advised that the risk analysis for strawberries from Korea will be a non-regulated analysis of existing policy, rather than a regulated IRA, as Australia already imports strawberries from New Zealand and the United States of America. The review will be about identifying the pests and diseases of concern to the Australian strawberry industry and then determining if there are measures that need to be put in place to manage those risks.

Mackenzie said that Growcom looked forward to the development of an issues paper by the Department to enable the local industry an opportunity to identify their concerns with the IRA. “We have asked the Government to ensure that an issues paper should be a compulsory part of the process of any IRA and it is our understanding that this will be the case.”

“Our experience with the IRA for the importation of fresh de-crowned pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) from Malaysia identified that the department’s initial response was based on an incorrect classification of the pest in question and highlighted the importance of engaging with a broader range of experts. Without an issues paper, there is only one opportunity for formal stakeholder input which is insufficient,” she added.

“The information gathered for the purpose of the issues paper is not wasted as it can then be utilised in the draft BIRA and provides a useful and transparent mechanism for formal stakeholder input. We contend that if the food and pest/disease combination warrants a BIRA then an issues paper should be mandatory.

“It is hoped that this will overcome some of the mistrust and confusion that has characterised previous IRA processes. However, there should still be sufficient opportunity for formal stakeholder input particularly from State government agencies.”

“We are continuing to work with the Australian government to ensure that the new BIRA process is collaborative rather than combative,” Mackenzie said.

“The approach taken by the Department of Agriculture in terms of consultation around this issue has been exemplary and we hope that other areas of the department can similarly improve their stakeholder engagement.

“Obviously the proof will be in the pudding. We will continue to closely monitor the strawberry process to ensure that the changes are not just lip service.”