John Moore, CEO of Summerfruit Australia Ltd, reported that three workshops were held during June for growers interested in exporting their fruit to China. The events were run by authorised entomologists / pathologists and overseen by Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DoAWR). He added that the Victorian DEDJTR were very helpful in preparing the Integrated Pest Management details to be viewed by attendees at these workshops. The focus was on the eleven insect pests and one fungal disease that are of concern to Chinese authorities.

The workshop in Loxton included participants who joined via Webinar from WA and Qld, with subsequent workshops in Swan Hill and Cobram. A total of 153 growers and third party contractors attended these events, confirming the high level of interest in accessing the Chinese market.

Applications for registration of orchards, packhouses and treatment facilities were issued to China Aspirants (inclusive of Thailand and Taiwan indications) and concluded on 22 July with detailed summaries submitted to the authorities, 27 July 2016.

The next step is for these properties – 103 orchards, 53 packhouses and 12 facilities (to be used for fumigation and onshore cold treatment of fruit, if applicable) will be audited between 12 September-24 September 2016 by DoAWR will be visiting these properties. Around 1.5–2 hours will be needed at each address to check that growers have transparent and traceable administrative systems in place as well as infield monitoring trapping and recording pathways that are required by the Chinese authorities.

Applicants should know whether they have been successful by the first week of October; these approved establishments will be the official list of registered properties for nectarines to China. These farms/packhouses/facilities where applicable, will be registered also for Taiwan and Thailand. (Note that onshore cold treatment facilities will need a special audit for Thailand, if not already inspected by Thai inspectors)

Moore noted that with the exception of current citrus exports, this effectively makes Australian stonefruit the first-cab off the rank for exports to China; 2016/17.

Source: Australian Stonefruit Grower