The export season is fast approaching. What follows is an updated list of issues that exporters need to be aware of ahead of the new export season.
Fruit Fly Official Assurance Programme
The fruit fly official assurance programme (OAP) was released in 2021, but not all MAOs (MPI Approved Organisations) have registered or included the requirements in their documented systems. 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 Independent Verification Agencies (IVA) to assess and forward it to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for approval and one-off registration. Note this registration is not done via Summerfruit NZ.
The OAP is available here: (password protected using RealMe).
Summerfruit Export Programmes
General
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 New Zealand Portal.
Orchard Maps for Japan and Western Australia Programmes
We ask that careful attention is paid to the accuracy of maps for the Japan and Western Australia programmes, including dates, placement and number of traps.
A checklist has been created from the Japan and Western Australia OAPs and states what is required on the orchard map. The checklist is included on a version of this pre-season update within the Summerfruit NZ Portal.
Cherries to Japan OAP
There are no significant changes to the Cherries to Japan OAP for this coming season. The Japan Inspector did not visit NZ last season due to COVID-19 but is confirmed to be coming this year. Once the visit is confirmed by MPI, registered growers and MAOs will be informed.
Cherries to Korea OAP
There are no significant changes to the Cherries to Korea OAP for this coming season. A Korea Inspector is due to visit New Zealand this year. Once the visit is confirmed by MPI, registered MAOs will be informed.
Summerfruit (South Is.) to Western Australia OAP
There are no significant changes to the Summerfruit (Sth Is) 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 2022 summary of the ICPRs for all summerfruit crops from 61 markets, can be found be downloaded here.
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 2022-23 season MRL / PHI charts are available on the Summerfruit NZ Portal: 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 e.g. 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 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.
A FAQ for these changes is available here:
Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL)
The Consumer Information Standards (Origins of Food) Regulations 2021 introduced mandatory country of origin labelling for imported and domestically produced fruit. The Regulations commenced 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 i.e. ‘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 e.g. for e-commerce.