IN a year of generally bleak news for the industry, Aussie melon growers have had a win with the reopening of the export route to New Zealand.
The Australian Melon Association yesterday reported that New Zealand had essentially banned Australian cucurbit fruit from entering after detections of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) in Australian watermelons which arrived in New Zealand earlier in the month
These MPI advised Australia of the revised import requirements on August 20.
But in a statement earlier today, the AMA said it had worked closely with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) to negotiate a speedy resolution to meet New Zealand’s MPI concerns about the CGMMV-status of Australian cucurbits.
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“On 29 August, MPI confirmed that it is satisfied with Australia’s proposal to certify export consignments of cucurbit fruit as CGMMV free,” the statement said.
An Industry Advice Notice (2018-39) is now available on the department’s website.
Melon 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.
