Cherry growers who export must comply with a different set of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for each country. MRLs also change quickly and frequently, necessitating frequent checks.
The Victorian Government recognised these difficulties and have provided funding to Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) to develop a range of tools to make MRL compliance easier through their Food to Market Program.
The MRL reference app, “AusCherrySure”, shows domestic and international MRLs with their respective withholding periods (WHPs). The app also contains information on toxicity to bees and beneficial insects and chemical groups for rotation and resistance management.
The app is user friendly with a searchable database of chemicals and trade names. Outputs can be viewed on the app or webpage. In future, users will also be able to download a spreadsheet to help with planning.
AusCherrySure is available to all cherry growers, packers and exporters FREE from iTunes or Google Play. CGAs’ Program Manager, Charlotte Brunt welcomed the grant and said: “AusCherrySure will ensure this critical information is available to domestic and export growers alike. By reflecting MRL changes in real time, it minimises risk and in doing so, will benefit both new and experienced exporters by improving their knowledge and confidence”.
For more information, contact export@cherrygrowers.org.au