DAFF releases report on imports of fresh ginger from Fiji

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has issued the Provisional Final Import Risk Analysis Report for Fresh Ginger from Fiji, which proposes strict quarantine conditions.

“The department’s biosecurity scientists have undertaken a rigorous scientific and evidence-based analysis of the pests and diseases associated with the trade,” said Dr Vanessa Findlay, Chief Plant Protection Officer. “The department has consulted with industry and state governments to ensure the appropriate measures to manage any potential risk associated with importing ginger for processing are in place.”

The report recommends that imported ginger must:

• be free from soil and trash such as leaf matter
• be grown with infield management controls or undergo a post-harvest treatment for burrowing nematode
• undergo inspection and certification by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji to ensure it is free from pests such as yam scale
• be inspected and cleared by DAFF

“Stakeholder comments submitted during the 60-day comment period were carefully considered and these comments combined with scientific analysis helped inform the final recommendations outlined in the report,” Dr Findlay said.

DAFF requests that anyone who believes that the Import Risk Analysis (IRA) process was not properly followed submit a written appeal to the Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel before 10 September 2012.