1. A Case Study for Regional Harmonization of Phytosanitary Measures (tomato seed imports) Nick Laminski Chairman of Horticultural Group – Australian Seed Federation (ASF) Standing Committee on International Trade and Quarantine Meeting APSA Seed Congress, Macau, China Thursday, November 13, 2014

2. Overview Australian tomato industry PSTVd background and history Timeline of changes to tomato seed import conditions ASF and ISF (ISHI-veg) involvement in discussions with DA Current status Overview of PSTVd requirements in the region Challenges facing the industry to move seed within the region.

3. Australian tomato industry Two distinct sectors – Processing  210 million tonnes, 86% Vic 14% NSW – Fresh Protected culture Open field  250 million tonnes, 55% Qld Although insignificant by world standards, the tomato processing industry is one of the most important processed fruit and vegetable commodities in Australia, ranking third after citrus and potatoes.

4. Australian tomato industry The Australian tomato seed industry is estimated to be worth $15 to $20m annually. Most tomato seed is imported from over 20 countries including US, Netherlands, Italy, Taiwan, Israel, United Kingdom, France, China and South Africa

5. PSTVd background and history Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) causes a serious disease in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), potato (Solanum tuberosum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena). PSTVd was first reported as a disease in potatoes in North America and was first detected on tomatoes in South Africa. The disease is reported to occur in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe and New Zealand. There have been previous detections and eradications of PSTVd in tomatoes and potatoes in Australia

6. PSTVd background and history Initial introduction of the viroid into potato crops is mostly through infected seed tubers Secondary spread then occurs by contact. Up to 65% loss of tuber yield and 50% tomato fruit yield due to PSTVd. PSTVd Infected tomato plant on the left with a healthy plant on the right.

7. What's in a name? BA – Biosecurity Australia DAFF – Department of Forestry and Fisheries DofA – Department of Agriculture. All are one and the same thing the NPPO of Australia.

8. Timeline of change to import requirements DAFF Biosecurity changed import conditions August 2008 - Following engagement between Biosecurity Australia (BA) and ASF, ongoing dialogue between BA and several NPPO’s and technical support from ISF, the initial import regulations were amended to include “No symptoms of diseases caused by potato spindle tuber viroid have been observed on the plants at the place of production during their complete cycle of vegetation”

9. Timeline of change to import requirements June 2011 Biosecurity Australia (BA) propose changes to 2008 measures. – Test all parent plants – 4 options for PSTVd Testing parent plants Area Freedom by official survey using RT-PCR Place of production Freedom from official survey using RT-PCR Testing 20 000 seeds sample in 400 seed sub lots

10. ASF and ISF response ASF and ISF provided submissions regarding proposed changes – Tomato seed not proven source of PSTVd – 20,000 RT PCR with 400 seed sub sample is not internationally harmonised – Sample size unsuitable for small batches – BA to confirm which countries will sign off – Industry needs time to adopt regulations

11. Timeline of change to import requirements Jan 2012 - BA amend emergency measures as proposed in June 2011 with some concession for small seed lots.  Industry thrown into disarray No overseas laboratories identified to perform 20,000 seed test in 400 seed subsamples. On-shore testing laboratories not equipped for increase in testing requirement Overseas NPPOs unprepared for requirements of Phytosanitary Certification

12. Timeline of change to import requirements March 2012 – ASF and Australian tomato seed representatives meet with DAFF  Sub sample size under review from 400 seeds to 1000 seeds allowing some international harmonisation in the future. November 2012 – DAFF amend import requirements to include capsicum and remove area freedom and place of production freedom.

13. Timeline of change to import requirements May 2014 – ASF and Australian tomato seed representatives teleconference with DAFF  Protocol proposed by DAFF for the review of Sub sample size from 400 seeds to 1000 seeds. July 2014 – ASF in conjunction with ISHI-veg submit a revised protocol for the review of sub sample size for PCR testing for viroids.

14. Current status Gradual improvements to conditions (small lots pooling, laboratory test report traceable via lot/batch number not as an AD only, sub sample size review) After initial disruption, imports have resumed using a combination of over seas and local testing. ISHI-Veg proposal on subsample sizes pospiviroids under review by DofA.

15. Current status New test protocols for carrot and cucurbit 20,000 seed PCR protocol now developed as part of emergency measures for carrot seed for Liberibacter. (Currently in draft form) Implemented on 20 th October 2014 New 9,400 PCR protocol being developed for CGMMV in cucurbit seed. As temporary measure, 9,400 ELISA test allowed as per ISTA protocol but not at there recommend 2000 seed sample rate. Implemented on 22 nd October 2014

16. Viroid phytosanitary requirements within the region Phytosanitary import requirements and diagnostic and inspection methodologies vary within the region. Contradictory phytosanitary measures, sometimes unnecessary measures and measures that cannot be fulfilled retrospectively (e.g. field inspections) Detailed in the table to follow.

17. Tomato import regulations in the Asia Pacific region MPVdPSTVdTCDVdTASVdPCFVdCLVdTPMVd Options for Additional Declaration Australia xxxxxx 1.Seed test (AUS protocol, 20,000 seed) or 2.Seed testing upon arrival (AUS protocol) In option 1: test report to be enclosed & lot number(s) + lab info specified Japan 1 xxxx x x 1.No history of incidents and 2.Field inspection and 3.Seed or parent plant test New Zealand xx 1.Sourced from pest free area or place of production or 2.Seed tested by NPPO using appropriate method and found free from South Korea 1 x 1.Sourced from pest free area and production site or 2.Seed tested by country of production using PCR and found free from or 3.Seed tested by company using Korean NPPO PCR test (with specific primers and nested primers ; sample size 50 g/lot) and found free from X Regulation in placeX Regulation not yet in place 1 Depends on country of origin

18. Seed movement challenges NPPOs face challenges associated with the international movement of seeds that are distinct from the international movement of other forms of plants for planting.

19. 6 Commercial packaging: USA 7 Final sale and use: MEXICO Or NEW ZEALAND 4 Production of hybrid seeds: CHINA 2 Production of basic seeds: EUROPE – State 2 3 Treatment and processing of basic seeds: EUROPE – State 1 Treatment and processing of commercial hybrid seed: EUROPE - State 1 5 1 Breeding parental lines: EUROPE – State 1 7 6 4 2 3 1 5 Special nature of seed movement 8 8 Re export between distribution partners, subsidiaries or multinationals branches

20. What can industry do? Seek government endorsement of Draft IPPC ISPM: International movement of seeds (2009- 003) as this recognises need to improve the harmonization process. Bring current cucurbit issue to the attention of their NPPOs and IPPC contacts and get them to submit comments supporting the ISHI-Veg protocol and international harmonisation. Push APPPC to develop regional pest lists and/or testing protocols for specific pests.

21. THANK YOU