The Canned Fruits Industry Council of Australia represents the biosecurity interests of canned fruit producers 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 2016–17 production of canned fruit was valued at $17.6 million (LVP). Exports were valued at $5.1 million.
Fruit production of the varieties represented by Canned Fruits Industry Council of Australia (apples, apricots, peaches, pears and plums) is carried out from December to May, with volumes of 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes processed annually.
The industry represents more than 110 fruit growing businesses and one processor.
The canned deciduous fruit business is primarily based in the Goulburn-Murray Valleys region of Victoria, processing Australian apples, apricots, peaches, pears and plums at Shepparton.
The canned fruits industry does not have a specific biosecurity plan or manual but is covered by plans and manuals for the pome fruit (apple and pear) and stone fruit (summerfruit) industries.
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of canned fruit production, 2007–17
Distribution of canned fruit production by state and territory, 2016–17 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Industry biosecurity plans
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the canned fruit 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.
An industry biosecurity plan and a farm manual which include the high priority pests of the canned fruit industry have not yet been developed. However pests of apricots, peaches, pears and plums are included in the industry plans and manuals prepared for Summerfruit Australia and APAL. The Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Summerfruit Industry and the Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Apple and Pear Industry outline key threats, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For copies, please call 02 6215 7700 or email [email protected]
Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Summerfruit Industry
The Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Summerfruit Industry or the Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Apple and Pear Industry contain 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.
