Market access continues for Tasmania

Tasmanian cherry growers are breathing a sigh of relief as Taiwan continues to offer market access even as the State's fruit fly surveillance continues.

Initially closed, Taiwan re-opened market access today for mainland Tasmania. The Furneaux group of islands, including Flinders Island where the original larvae were detected, are excluded - although fruit is not exported from these islands.

Additionally fruit exports are prohibited from the 15km control zone around the Spreyton detection site. The current number of detection sites remain at three on Flinders Island and one at Spreyton.

Taiwan's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) are waiting for the DNA returns on the larvae located on the Tasmanian mainland before making further market access assessments.

Nic Hansen of Fruit Growers Tasmania said trade with Taiwan could change at any time especially as an adult fly had been detected today in a trap near the Spreyton larvae site.

"Given this is currently a fast moving situation, it is recommended growers exercise caution in accessing the Taiwanese market as it may close with little warning," Nic Hansen said.

During the market closure, Taiwan accepted cherries already in transit from Tasmania.

Minister of Primary Industries, Jeremy Rockcliff, said the Taiwan market previously closed in 2011 when two Queensland fruit flies were located in a trap in a Hobart suburb.

"This is not unexpected news given the recent formal notification to trading partners," Minister Rockcliff said.

"I am advised this closure will have little impact for growers as only 6% of the fruit remains on trees."

Other markets, including China, remain open as the Tasmanian cherry season draws to a close.

Biosecurity Tasmania continues to work on surveillance and management of the fruit fly outbreaks with support from South Australia arriving in the State today.

http://biosecurityadvisory.dpipwe.tas.gov.au