Australia has finally accepted fresh mango exports from Davao del Sur.

This bit of news has enlivened the mango industry, which has been targeting the Australian market for a long time.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the inclusion of mangoes from Davao del Sur in the list of accepted fruits by Canberra is like a fresh whiff of air for mango growers out to win markets for the fruit.

In a report submitted to Alcala, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPUI) director Dr. Clarito M.Baron said an advisory issued by Biosecurity Australia on August 13, 2010 announced the extension of existing policy for the importation of fresh mango fruits from the Philippines and the inclusion of growing areas of Davao del Sur as source.

Baron said previously, Australia allowed only the importation of grouch mangoes from Guimaras Island.

However, BPI asked Australia to include Davao del Sur as an additional growing area for mangoes to be exported to Canberra.

Biosecurity Australia had earlier prepared a report on the existing policies for fresh mango fruits from India, Haiti, Mexico, Philippines and Taiwan and took consideration how these countries combat pests.

Australia has been strict on the entry of imported fresh fruits.

The report considered the commercial mango production practices in Davao del Sur in relation to existing policies, assessed the potential for entry, establishment, spread and consequences of pests and diseases of mango fruits and recommended the quarantine measures being implemented in Guimaras.

Guimaras won the nod of Australia on the strength of the long-term cleanliness policy and quarantine practices BPI had been implementing on the island.

The stringent crop management measures imposed by the BPI in mango growing areas in Davao del Sur also helped secure the approval for exports to Australia. However, the Biosecurity Services Group (BSG) will visit mango production areas in the Davao del Sur to audit the operational procedures, treatment facilities and area freedom protocols before mangoes can be exported to Australia.

Quarantine measures recommended for mangoes from Davao del Sur include: Recognition and maintenance of pest-free areas; pre-export phytosanitary certification by the BPI and on-arrival inspection by BSG; pre-export vapor heat treatment, and; operational systems to maintain and verify phytosanitary status.