A new inspection protocol relating to the consignment of grapes to Victoria will apply to Queensland table grapes this season.

Growcom’s Industry Development Officer for Grapes, Anne Larard said that the Victorian Department of Primary Industries had informed Queensland representatives that this decision related to the protection of the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area for Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF), and current market access negotiations with Japan and other east Asian markets. 

“These countries regard table grapes as a host of QFF and, under World Trade Organisation (WTO) guidelines of equivalence, expect all QFF hosts entering the proclaimed pest free area to be treated,” said Ms Larard.

“Under Victorian legislation, these requirements must be applied on entry of host produce to the state.”

Ms Larard said that from 15 October, all consignments of table grapes entering Victoria from areas without a current area freedom certificate for QFF would require inspections for the presence of QFF infestation, and certification by each grower to verify consignment inspection.

“The protocol is being put in place on a trial basis, up until March 2008,” said Ms Larard.

“Each day’s pack, after all culling and grading processes, will need to be inspected for the presence of QFF infestation. Either two per cent of bunches or 600 bunches per day’s pack will need to be inspected,” she said.

“Inspection can occur in the field or packing shed as long as long as the inspection is completed on packed cartons, prior dispatch.”

The Victorian Department of Primary Industries has issued information to all Queensland growers via the Australian Table Grapes Association industry database. Each business should receive this,  this week. The Victorian Department of Primary Industries can be contacted through the DPIV Customer Service Centre on 136 186.