Summerfruit Australia represents the biosecurity interests of summerfruit producers (including apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums) and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
In 2014–15 stonefruit production (fresh apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums) was valued at $167 million (LVP). Nectarines and peaches comprised two-thirds of national stone fruit production, followed by plums and apricots.
In May 2016, access was granted for nectarines to mainland China. Market access negotiations are underway between the governments of China and Australia for export
of peaches, plums and apricots. Around 14,340 tonnes worth $49 million of stone fruit was exported in 2015–16, an increase of 14 per cent.
Production is mainly located in subtropical and temperate Australia where the industry is a major rural and regional employer. Victoria produces around 50 per cent of Australia’s stone fruit (in the order of 120,000 tonnes nationally) with the remaining production spread between NSW, Queensland, SA, WA and Tasmania.
The stone fruit industry is covered by version 1.0 of the biosecurity plan for the summerfruit industry and the Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Summerfruit Industry Version 1.0.
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of summerfruit production 2007–15 (LVP)
Distribution of summerfruit production by state and territory 2014–15 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Summerfruit Industry
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the summerfruit industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Summerfruit Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email admin@phau.com.au.
Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Summerfruit Industry
The Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Summerfruit Industry contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm. Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks. Manuals also contain a biosecurity self-assessment list, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors.
More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
