The New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (NZMPI) has reinstated Fijian long bean imports to New Zealand. New Zealand had suspended the importation of Fijian long bean on 21 October this year after the live insect pest Thrips palmi was intercepted in three export consignments from Fiji in August, September and October.

NZMPI’s decision to reinstate Fijian long bean exports followed the satisfactory audit conducted in November by NZMPI in collaboration with BAF. The audit was carried out by NZMPI to assess the measures implemented to adequately mitigate the presence of Thrips palmi in the suspended long bean (Phaselous spp.) pathway.

In a letter to Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), NZMPI expressed its appreciation for the collaborative efforts of BAF and other agencies in improving the Fijian long bean export pathway.

BAF Executive Chairman Mr. Riyaz Khan welcomed NZMPI’s decision to reinstate the imports of Fijian long bean, as New Zealand is one of the product’s major markets.

“BAF proactively collaborated with other authorities, exporters and farmers and implemented additional measures at farm level to improve field hygiene in order to expedite reinstatement of the long bean exports pathway to New Zealand,” said Mr. Khan.

Mr. Khan went on to say that BAF had temporarily held the exports of Okra and Amaranthus (choraiya) as a precautionary measure to New Zealand after Thrips palmi was intercepted on long beans. BAF also promptly carried out an internal audit headed by BAF entomologists, plant pathologists and operations teams of the farms and pack houses.

“We further collaborated with exporters and Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension and Research Divisions to put in additional measures to eliminate interception of Thrips palmi at all stages (eggs, larvae, pupa and adult) in host commodities,” said Mr. Khan.

BAF took a number of other remedial measures, including verifying all farms with export produce to New Zealand for all Thrips palmi host commodities; improving field hygiene; requiring precise documentation; continuing with 100% inspections at farms and export pack houses; facilitating, with assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Exporters, an external audit by NZMPI for all farms and pack houses; and further training Ministry of Agriculture extension officers involved in BQA and Non-BQA pathways.

Mr. Khan concluded saying that BAF is seriously committed to facilitating exports and maintaining Fijian export markets overseas.

ENDS

For further information please contact Public Relations Officer Ms. Devika Narayan on 3312512, 9957085 or email dnarayan@baf.com.fj

or dnarayan266@gmaill.com