Australian authorities will conduct risk assessments on Vietnamese-grown dragonfruit over the coming months, with a view to approve the fruit for import.
“Australia has already undertaken preliminary work on the assessment, including reviewing pests and diseases, following strong collaboration between the governments of Australia and Vietnam,” according to a statement from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.
The additional analysis will include a field visit to production areas and an assessment of production and export practices. A draft report is expected to be released for public comment later in 2016.
Progress is also being made on market access applications for other types of Vietnamese fruit. Australia completed a risk assessment for Vietnamese mangoes in November 2015 and is working to finalise trading arrangements.
The first consignments of Vietnamese lychees were exported to Australia in May 2015, with 28 tonnes shipped last year.
