Northwest Horticultural Council

Country Alerts

Australia to Reopen Market to Pacific Northwest Cherries Starting July 15

Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) announced it will resume accepting shipments of U.S. cherries from the Pacific Northwest into the Australian market July 15, 2024 – the date of phytosanitary export inspection and certification for the consignment.

DAFF stated the reopening is preliminary, pending an upcoming audit of Pacific Northwest packing facilities. The NHC is coordinating with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding the visit of DAFF officers to the region, and will assist APHIS in facilitating the audit.

While there has not been a pest-related issue with Pacific Northwest cherries, shippers are encouraged to be vigilant with shipments to Australia.

Background: Australia’s DAFF suspended all shipments of U.S. cherries on June 21, 2024. DAFF reported that they found multiple live Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) larvae during an import inspection of two shipments of California cherries.

Since then, the NHC has been pushing DAFF and APHIS to lift the suspension for Pacific Northwest cherries.

Posted: 7/10/2024