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Reducing biosecurity business risks for logs and timber
Authors: Stephen Pawson, Nari Williams, Ian Gear, John ArmstrongPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2014, Issue N.Z.J.For. 59(2) 2014, pp 22-28, Aug 2014
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: New Zealand is heavily reliant on export markets for wood products. International agreements to minimise the movement of quarantine pests and pathogens allow countries to specify export treatments that reduce traderelated phytosanitary risks. Current treatment options for wood exports from New Zealand are limited and rely heavily on available chemical fumigants (methyl bromide and phosphine). The release of methyl bromide to the atmosphere will be prohibited in this country from 2020 as it is an ozone depleting gas. Numerous examples exist from other countries where trade has been disrupted by a biosecurity pest that may be transmitted on an export wood commodity. To maintain current market access New Zealand must: 1) expand export treatment options; 2) maintain forest surveillance to demonstrate area of freedom and maximise eradication success of new pest incursions; and 3) conduct proactive research to prepare for highrisk quarantine pests not yet present in this country.