The PPECB EU citrus phytosanitary mandate (orchard inspections and phytosanitary certification) has been extended by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for the next two years. Thus the functions carried out by the PPECB in the 2017 citrus season will continue until the end of the 2019 citrus season.

In line with this and to improve on the Citrus Back Spot (CBS) system, the following is currently in progress:

1. Training and accreditation of PPECB inspectors for the citrus phytosanitary mandate;
2. Review of the CBS RMS document by the DAFF and CBS RMS Committee;
3. Verification of orchards registered for the EU by DAFF;
4. The PPECB is in the process of formulating an electronic PQI as a result of orchard inspections done using the tablet technology.

Furthermore, the EU Commission Implementing Directive 2017/1279 of 14 July 2017 requires member states to manage False Codling Moth on citrus (excluding lemons, limes and kumquats) through cold sterilisation or a management system. This prompted the CRI to formulate a False Codling Moth Management System (FMS). In response to this the PPECB has constituted an internal working group to develop processes, manuals and documentation relating to the FMS and we wish to assure all stakeholders that this is receiving the necessary focus within the PPECB. In relation to FMS we ask all stakeholders to be aware of the following:

1. The FMS will be managed both manually and electronically
2. The FMS will apply to all citrus producing areas unlike CBS
3. Emphasis of FMS will be at pallet/consignment level and not at orchard level
4. PhytClean will be used to verify both manual and electronic orchard status

With regards to Titan False Codling Moth (FCM) readiness, the anticipated project rollout is as follows:

1. The File Layout

a. Allowing for 2 file versions, one with the Phyto Data field and the other without the Phyto Data field
b. In the following conditions, the file must contain the Phyto Data column or it will be rejected

i. Target Region is either EUN, UKI or IOI
ii. In the case of IOI where the country is not stipulated, normal file version is applicable, that is, no Phyto Data Field is necessary
iii. If Target Region is IOI and the country is Reunion or Mayotte, then the Phyto Data field is mandatory
iv. In the case of MEA where the country is not stipulated, the normal file version is applicable, that is, no Phyto Data Field is necessary
v. If the target region is MEA and country is Iran, then the Phyto Data field is mandatory

c. The additional IOI and MEA validation is now being tested and this file layout will be deployed into production on at end March

2. File Layout and Inspection Titan Validation

a. These changes are currently being tested and anticipated to be deployed to Production on 14 April

3. Addendums
Addendums for all products excluding FMS citrus can still be processed via Titan using the old addendum file layout. We will advise in due course as to when the old addendum layout will no longer be accepted. We will also advise in due course in terms of the release date of the new file layout.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for your support during the 2017 citrus season and look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure the 2018 season is a success.