Australian melon growers are pleased at the speedy resolution to the trade ban on Australian cucurbits to New Zealand.
On 20 August 2018 the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) notified Australia that newly revised import requirements would apply to cucurbit fruit exported from Australia to New Zealand. The revised import requirements followed detections of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) in Australian watermelons which had arrived in New Zealand earlier in the month.
Since that time, the Australian Melon Association has worked closely with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) to negotiate a speedy resolution to meet New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary industries concerns about the CGMMV-status of Australian cucurbits.
On 29 August, MPI confirmed that it is satisfied with Australia’s proposal to certify export consignments of cucurbit fruit as CGMMV free. An Industry Advice Notice (2018-39) is now available on the department’s website.
Industry Development Manager, Dianne Fullelove welcomed the reopening of trade to New Zealand. “New Zealand is a very important market for Australian melon growers and the industry is pleased that trade has resumed.” Mrs Fullelove said. “Growers wishing to export melons to New Zealand will be required to register their properties with DAWR as an additional export measure.”
Production is currently coming from Queensland growers with southern states to come online later in the year.
For more information:
Dianne Fullelove+61 413101646
Email: idp@melonsaustralia.org.au