The following is an extract of the letter sent to stakeholders:
"The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia has initiated a policy review of the importation of washed ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) from other Australian states and territories.
Potatoes from interstate are currently permitted entry into the state under strict quarantine conditions for specific pests and diseases. These measures have been in place for many years and are being reviewed to ensure they provide an appropriate level of protection for Western Australia and comply with trading requirements.
The policy review will follow a risk analysis process to determine potential biosecurity risks associated with importing potatoes and provide the scientific justification for any recommended phytosanitary measures.
A draft policy review—including any recommendations—will be released for stakeholder consultation. This will provide stakeholders the opportunity to comment and draw attention to any gaps, assumptions or errors in the scientific and technical data used to determine conclusions.
Stakeholder submissions will be reviewed under the contexts of consistency with accepted practices, technical justifications and national obligations. Any new or important information that may significantly affect the review—including any recommendations—will be incorporated into the final policy review. The final policy review will be circulated to registered stakeholders and made available on the department’s website.
At the conclusion of the policy review Western Australia’s import requirements will be modified to reflect any recommended measures determined by the final policy."
Stakeholder registration
In addition to the departmental website, DAFWA uses a stakeholder register for distributing policy information to relevant parties.
To register to become a stakeholder and receive information via email for the policy review of the importation of washed ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) from other Australian states and territories please click here to fill in the registration form.