The regulatory burden has been eased for growers who export winegrapes into Victoria and New South Wales, following the discontinuation of the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (GSPFA).
The GSPFA was established in 2006 to protect local horticultural industries from Queensland fruit fly (QFF) but was suspended for trade in 2014 following increased detections of the pest.
Now that QFF is widely established in Victoria and New South Wales, the Victorian Government has decided to allow the GSPFA to lapse, which means the area no longer exists for regulatory purposes.
As a result, growers and businesses accredited under ICA-33 in South Australia no longer need to issue Plant Health Assurance Certificates for winegrapes being dispatched into Victoria and New South Wales.
“These changes will significantly reduce red tape for businesses who previously required certification to send winegrapes into Victoria and New South Wales,” said Nick Secomb, director of plant and invasive species biosecurity at PIRSA.
“As QFF is no longer regulated by the GSPFA, PIRSA and Vinehealth Australia are calling for greater vigilance by industry at all access points from Victoria and NSW into South Australia.
“Additionally, any equipment used to transport grapes into Victoria or NSW that returns to South Australia must be clean and adhere to the SA Plant Quarantine Standard.”
South Australia is still considered free from Phylloxera, Mediterranean fruit fly, and QFF outside of the current Fruit Fly Affected Areas.
Growers and businesses that only require ICA-33 to send winegrapes to Victoria and NSW can surrender their accreditation, reducing the regulatory and administrative burden on their business. Please note that shipments within South Australia that are subject to QFF restrictions must still adhere to the ICA-33 requirements for moving products within SA, and the Victorian Control Order in place for Lindsay Point remains in force to assist SA in retaining Pest Free Area status for the Riverland.
Under the national Interstate Certification Assurance Scheme rules, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will not be compelled to complete compliance audits or other associated administrative activities if accreditations are surrendered.
For information on where to surrender your Plant Health Assurance Certificate books and Certificate of Accreditation please check the PIRSA website.
For further information, please contact the Plant Health Market Access hotline on 08 8207 7814 or email [email protected]
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