There are a number of changes exporters need to be aware of ahead of the new export season.
Fruit Fly Official Assurance Programme
The Fruit Fly OAP is new and ready to be implemented for next season. Only MAOs can register for this programme. The requirements only come into effect during a fruit fly incursion and help packhouses and exporters manage traceability and phytosanitary security. MAOs should prepare their systems to comply with this OAP and ask their IVA to assess and forward it to MPI for approval and one-off registration.
Note this registration is not done via Summerfruit NZ.
The OAP is available at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/export/food/fruit-and-vegetables/official-assurance-programmes/ along with brief guidance material called Fruit Fly OAP Handout (password protected using RealMe).
MPI are planning virtual workshops for MAOs who want to know more. No dates have been set, so expressions of interest can be sent to plantexports@mpi.govt.nz
Summerfruit export programmes
Summerfruit has several export programmes. Some of these are MPI official assurance programmes (OAPs) and some are industry programmes.
Registration is required for the following OAPs and Industry Management Programme, via the Summerfruit NZ Portal. We ask that careful attention is paid to accuracy of maps for the Japan and Korea programmes, including dates, and placement and number of traps.
Cherries to Japan OAP
There are no significant changes to the Cherries to Japan OAP for next season. The Japan inspector did not visit New Zealand last season due to Covid-19 and may not be able to visit next season either. Trade continued last season with an on-arrival inspection sample size of 900 fruit (compared to the normal 600) in Japan. Once New Zealand’s Covid status becomes clear later in the year, MPI will be in a position to update industry.
Cherries to Korea OAP
There are no significant changes to the Cherries to Korea OAP for next season.
Summerfruit (South Island) to Western Australia OAP
There are no significant changes to the Summerfruit (South Island) to Western Australia OAP for next season.
USA Industry Management Programme (LBAM)
Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) remains a quarantine pest for the USA. MPI continues to work with USDA to achieve a categorisation change based on LBAM being present in the USA.
The programme applies to all summerfruit apart from early cherries. Refer to the Summerfruit NZ Portal.
Importing Country Phytosanitary Requirement (ICPR)
Access to the correct and up to date information is critical for all export programmes.
- Access the ICPR (https://www.mpi.govt.nz/exporting/food/fruit-and-vegetables/requirement-documents-for-exporting-fruit-and-vegetables/).
- If there is an import permit required and it differs from the ICPR requirements, share it with MPI (plantexports@mpi.govt.nz) as it overrides what is written in the ICPR.
The 2021 summary of the ICPRs for all summerfruit crops from 61 markets, can be found here and on the Summerfruit NZ Portal.
Of the 61 ICPRs based on the ICPR interpretation, cherries have access to 57 markets, apricots have access to 54 markets, nectarines and plums have access to 53 markets, and peaches have access to 52 markets.
Agrichemical compliance
MRLs/PHIs
Updated 2021-22 season MRL/PHI charts are available on the Summerfruit NZ Portal under: Main Menu/Agrichemicals, along with an updated ‘Additional Information for Growers’. This document is an important heads-up for growers who are using crop protection products as it details changes from last season and what’s coming up in the near future.
Residue Assurance Programme
The Residue Assurance Programme relies on submitting export spray diaries to CropSure. If you are not registered for CropSure and you are growing for export, you must convert your spray diaries to something CropSure can accommodate, eg hard copy, and submit. Packhouse clearance for export is based on a compliant spray programme.
Revised minimum documentary requirements for Australia
From 2 August 2021, the minimum documentary requirements have changed for Annual Packing Declarations and Treatment Certificates.
The revised policy and a table of changes outlining key changes to the policy can be found on the Australian department’s website.
An FAQ for these changes is available here.
Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL)
The Consumer Information Standards (Origins of Food) Regulations 2021 introduce mandatory country of origin labelling for imported and domestically produced fruit. The Regulations commence on 12 November 2021 for fresh fruit.
CoOL requirements for fresh summerfruit include: text in English or Māori, how the fruit is related to the country, ie ‘Grown in New Zealand’.
CoOL can be associated with the fruit by: labelling the fruit or its packaging; or on signs located next to the fruit; or as part of an offer or advertisement, eg for e-commerce.
Phytosanitary inspector training
This is advance notice of the phytosanitary inspector training, that is planned to be held on Monday, 22 November in Alexandra and in Hastings/Havelock North (if there is demand). Please note that at this stage the date and locations are subject to change.