What assessment, if any, has MPI undertaken of the costs and benefits of implementing offshore monitoring, surveillance, or accreditation programmes for fresh blueberry imports before export to New Zealand?

Answer

Activities for offshore monitoring, surveillance, or accreditation are generally agreed with the exporting country. The draft import health standard for blueberries reflects this by including a requirement that fresh blueberries can only be imported from a country with an approved bilateral arrangement. The benefits of offshore monitoring, surveillance, and accreditation programmes are that they help ensure that the risks associated with importing blueberries are appropriately managed. The costs are borne by the exporting country and are not assessed by the Ministry for Primary Industries.