US grants greater access to Australian citrus

The number of production areas in Australia authorised to export fresh citrus to the US has increased. Currently, only citrus grown in Riverina (NSW), the Riverland (SA), and Sunraysia (VIC) can be exported to the US market. The three newly authorised regions are Queensland, Western Australia, and the shires of Bourke and Narromine within New South Wales.

Citrus from the newly authorised areas must either originate from an approved production area that is free of Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, and/or Lesser Queensland fruit fly, or be treated with cold treatment or other approved treatment. An operational work plan that details the requirements under which citrus will be safely imported must also be put in place. Furthermore, all citrus must be washed, brushed, surface disinfected in accordance with treatment schedules listed in the PPQ Treatment Manual, treated with fungicide at labelled rates, and waxed at packhouses. Imported fruit will be subject to inspection at the port of entry into the US.