Issues paper for the import risk analysis of fresh apple fruit from the united states of america
|
|  Yüklə 429.5 Kb.
|
1. Introduction1.1. Australia’s biosecurity policy frameworkAustralia's biosecurity policies aim to protect Australia against the risks that may arise from exotic pests1 entering, establishing and spreading in Australia, thereby threatening Australia's unique flora and fauna, as well as those agricultural industries that are relatively free from serious pests. The import risk analysis (IRA) process is an important part of Australia's biosecurity framework. It enables the Australian Government to formally consider the risks that could be associated with proposals to import new products into Australia. If the risks are found to be above Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP), risk management measures are proposed to reduce the risks to an acceptable level. But, if it is not possible to reduce the risks to an acceptable level, then no trade will be allowed. Successive Australian Governments have maintained a conservative, but not a zero-risk, approach to the management of biosecurity risks. This approach is expressed in terms of Australia's ALOP, which reflects community expectations through government policy and is currently described as providing a high level of protection aimed at reducing risk to a very low level, but not to zero. Australia’s IRAs are undertaken by Biosecurity Australia using teams of technical and scientific experts in relevant fields, and involving consultation with stakeholders at various stages during the process. The recommendations from Biosecurity Australia are provided to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine (the Secretary of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), who is responsible for determining whether or not an importation can be permitted under the Quarantine Act 1908, and if so, under what conditions. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is responsible for implementing the import protocol, including any risk management measures. More information about Australia’s biosecurity framework is provided in the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2007 located on the Biosecurity Australia website www.biosecurityaustralia.gov.au.
1.2. PurposeThe primary purpose of this issues paper is to provide information to stakeholders about the import risk analysis (IRA) for fresh apple fruit from the United States of America (Idaho, Oregon and Washington), hereafter referred to as the Pacific Northwest. The issues paper is the first step towards identifying the issues relevant to the IRA. The information in this document is intended to assist stakeholders to contribute to the IRA process. 1.3. Background of access requestThis IRA was initiated following receipt of a technical submission from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requesting access for apples from the Pacific Northwest. The USA first sought access for fresh apple fruit from the Pacific Northwest states in 1999. 1.4. Administration1.4.1. TimetableBiosecurity Australia (BA) formally announced the commencement of an IRA under the regulated IRA process to consider a proposal to import fresh apple fruit from the Pacific Northwest, on 17 March 2008 (BAA 2008/06). The risk analysis will be undertaken as an expanded IRA, requiring completion within 30 months from commencement. 1.4.2. ScopeThe scope of this IRA is to consider quarantine risks that may be associated with the importation of commercially produced fresh apple fruit, free of trash, from the Pacific Northwest into Australia. This IRA pertains to all commercial apple-producing counties and all commercially produced apple cultivars from the Pacific Northwest. 1.4.3. MethodThe method employed for preparing the draft IRA report for apples from the Pacific Northwest will be qualitative. The IRA methodology used by BA has been published in recent IRAs and is consistent with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs including ISPM2: Framework for pest risk analysis (FAO 2007a) and ISPM 11 Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests, including analysis for environmental risks and living modified organisms (FAO 2004). For pests relevant to this IRA that have been assessed in previous import policies, BA will assess whether the existing policies are appropriate to the quarantine risk for apples from the Pacific Northwest. 1.4.4. ConsultationBiosecurity Australia Policy Memorandum (BAPM) 2007/20 of 12 September 2007, advised stakeholders that changes to the IRA process had been implemented on 5 September 2007 when regulations made under the Quarantine Act 1908 formally took effect. That advice also notified the transitional arrangements for Biosecurity Australia’s import work program which included apples from the Pacific Northwest. This issues paper is released for comment and consultation with stakeholders as part of the process for an expanded IRA. Under the Quarantine Regulations 2000, stakeholders will have up to 60 days to submit written comments. Biosecurity Australia may meet with stakeholders to discuss matters raised in their submissions. There will also be a 60 day consultation period to comment on the draft IRA report.
1.5. Expert panelAn expert panel has been formed to assist BA in its consideration of the scientific issues associated with this IRA. The task of the Expert Panel is to:
This expert panel will be led by Dr Bill Roberts, BA’s Principal Scientist, Plant Biosecurity, and comprises:
1.6. Existing policyImport policy exists for Fuji apples from Japan (AQIS 1998) and apples from New Zealand (BA 2006). These policies will be taken into account, where relevant, as part of this import risk analysis. |