Plant import pathway restored

Release of the final Import Health Standards (IHS) for importing Prunus plants for planting

After carrying out an extensive review, the Ministry for Primary Industries has issued the IHS: Prunus plants for planting as final, dated 23 January 2020.  

Given the importance of this pathway for the importation of new variety material, Summerfruit NZ has actively participated in this review. Summerfruit NZ has advocated strongly for a timely reinstatement and an outcome-focused approach to this IHS – consistent with the current post entry quarantine infrastructure and the level of biosecurity risks.  

We hope that the reviewed IHS will allow industry to establish and maintain a system that is commercially viable in order to ensure continued access to new varieties without compromising biosecurity.