AU: Mango industry to benefit from changes to US import regulations

The Produce Marketing Association Australia New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) has welcomed the decision by US authorities to amend regulations allowing the import of Australian mangoes into the States, which will benefit local mango growers and bolster Australia’s world class mango reputation.

PMA A-NZ CEO, Michael Worthington, said any regulation changes around exportation are positive for the fresh produce industry. “Regulation changes that offer Australian and New Zealand growers increased exporting options will always be welcome by the industry as producers in both countries need outlets other than just the domestic market,” Michael said. “In terms of mangoes, Australia has a significant production volume coming on stream, potentially more than the domestic market can handle, so this development is very welcome for the longer term viability of the industry. Australia is a relatively high cost producer of mangoes so it will be our high quality product commanding a premium price in USA, which is good news for Australian growers.”

The amended regulations allow Australian mangoes to be imported into the US as long as they have undergone treatment against the fungus cytosphaera mangiferae, including a series of measures specified by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) such as broad-spectrum fungicide treatment and irradiation to ward off the risk of mango seed weevil and fruit flies.

Australian mango shippers will have the option to irradiate the fruit at home or on US soil and APHIS expects Australia to ship roughly 1,200 metric tons (MT) of mangoes to the US annually.

For more information:
Erin Hart
PMA
Tel: +61 3 8844 5536
Email: e.hart@pma-anz.com