8 May 2001
Additional fruit fly treatment for tomatoes from Australia possible
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is considering a proposal to allow an additional treatment based on the
"systems approach" for tomatoes imported from Australia which, among other things, will reduce the likelihood of
Queensland fruit fly being introduced here.
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA) made the proposal on 2 May 2001. Once details of
the system's components are supplied, the New Zealand Vegetable and Potato Growers Federation (VegFed) will be given the
opportunity to comment.
The Australian treatment proposal, which will include mandatory field control (verified by inspection) in addition to
the current mandatory post harvest chemical (dimethoate) dip/drench, should compensate for the need to test the chemical
absorption characteristics of individual tomato varieties prior to approving importation. This will enable Australian
producers to grow the latest varieties for the New Zealand market.
Currently chemical treatment is done for five approved tomato varieties imported to New Zealand from Australia. The new
proposal will bring in a treatment system for all Australian tomatoes, regardless of variety.
Richard Ivess, MAF's Director of Plants Biosecurity said the Ministry is satisfied that the proposed system would not
jeopardise New Zealand's plant health status provided that appropriate controls were in place, and the addition of the
mandatory field control would in fact increase security.
AFFA would be accountable for the entire system including documentation of the system, grower registration,field
treatment, audit for efficacy of field treatment, chemical treatment, post treatment security and AFFA inspection and
audit compliance. Additionally, the bulk of exports to New Zealand would be during winter when the climatic conditions
would not be conducive to the establishment of Queensland fruit fly.
Mr Ivess said that if the proposed system stacks up then the Ministry would have no choice but to accept it.
"New Zealand has obligations under the WTO SPS Agreement and the International Plant Protection Convention to consider
new proposals and if technically justified, implement them as appropriate.
"The Australian proposal would allow new varieties of tomatoes to be imported into New Zealand, but the volumes brought
in will depend on New Zealand importers."
Mr Ivess said Australia's request for different measures to be put in place was routine for exporting countries
including New Zealand.
"The proposed system, which would enable any variety of tomato to be imported, would bring the existing measures
(variety basis) into line with other imported produce," he said.
In 1988, the then Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries implemented offshore treatments for pests of major quarantine
concern. This included fruit fly on tomatoes intended for export to New Zealand.
Since 1994, approximately 1.97 million cartons of tomatoes have been imported into New Zealand without any indication of
the presence of Queensland fruit fly.
For further information contact: Richard Ivess, MAF Director, Plants Biosecurity on 04-474-4127 or Gita Parsot, MAF
Communications on 04-4989-806