“The final IRA report is a comprehensive, science based analysis that reflects Australia’s conservative approach to quarantine,” Biosecurity reported.

The quarantine measures contained in the final IRA include banana export sources being restricted to areas that only demonstrate low pest prevalence, registration of banana export blocks as well as inspection and verification by Australian quarantine officers of Philippine export systems and processes.

Biosecurity reported that stakeholders have 30 days until 12 December 2008 within which they can appeal to an independent Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel.

The basis for an appeal is that the final IRA’s procedures are significantly deviating from the process set out in the 2003 IRA handbook or that a significant body of scientific information relevant to the analysis outcome was not considered.

Following the appeal process, the final report and recommendations will be provided to Australia’s Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine to make a quarantine policy determination on bananas.

The issue of the final IRA had long been in the waiting.

Import of Philippine bananas was initially declined by Biosecurity Australia in June 2002. About 18 months later, the original findings were revised to allow banana imports from the Philippines subject to strict quarantine conditions.

Between February 2004 and August 2008, a series of consultations with stakeholders, field inspections and technical assessments had been carried out by Biosecurity Australia to establish a final import risk analysis report.

Last August, Biosecurity issued a status report that the final import risk analysis report had been completed and referred to an independent Eminent Scientists Group for review.

Australia’s banana farmers will know within the next few weeks if they have been successful in their six-and-a-half year battle to keep Philippine bananas out of Australia.

Biosecurity Australia reported last month that it had completed a draft final Import Risk Analysis (IRA) report, now with an independent team of scientists for review.

The review group has up to 60 days to establish if Biosecurity Australia has properly taken into account all stakeholders comments in finalising its risk analysis and policy recommendations.

It is expected that the review will be completed by the end of this month, after which the report goes back to Biosecurity Australia who will put out the final report.

Subject of the long drawn and hotly-contested IRA are 100,000 tonnes of Philippine bananas proposed for import into Australia annually.

Import of Philippine bananas was initially declined by Biosecurity Australia in June 2002. About 18 months later, the original findings were revised to allow banana imports from the Philippines subject to strict quarantine conditions.

Between February 2004 and August 2008, a series of consultations with stakeholders, field inspections and technical assessments had been carried out by Biosecurity Australia to establish a final import risk analysis report. #