A WORKSHOP to discuss current and future use of the fumigant methyl bromide in Australia will be held in Brisbane today.
Discussions will also focus on alternatives to methyl bromide and improving industry reporting and regulations, with a panel of industry experts to answer questions.
Chinese grapes
STAKEHOLDERS have until April 21 to comment on a draft import-risk analysis report for table grapes from China.
Biosecurity Australia has proposed allowing the importation of Chinese table grapes subject to a range of quarantine conditions, which address 19 pests.
The report proposes seven combinations of risk management measures and operational systems, including area freedom, sulphur treatment or pre-shipment fumigation with SO 2/CO 2 and pre-export inspections by AQIS staff.
For more details, phone (02) 6272 3050 or visit www.daff.gov.au/ba
Finding markets
A MARKET access symposium will be held at Sydney's Hilton hotel next Wednesday.
Hosted by the Domestic Quarantine and Market Access Working Group, it will consider the activities involved in gaining, maintaining and improving market access for horticultural commodities.
Also up for discussion are domestic and international market access processes, Queensland fruit fly, phylloxera and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority reviews of dimethoate and fenthion.
New citrus head
CITRUS Australia has appointed Andrew Harty as general manager of market development.
Mr Harty, who has experience with citrus in South Africa and New Zealand, will work to improve market access and encourage marketing co-operation.
Rabobank has appointed Marc Soccio as a senior analyst in its food and agribusiness research and advisory division, with responsibility for the food retail and processing sectors, and wine and horticulture.
- Send your horticulture news to Sandra Godwin, The Weekly Times, PO Box 1728, Swan Hill 3585, email godwins@theweeklytimes.com.au or fax to (03) 5032 9352.
