As a Ministry Approved Operator are you comfortable implementing the new requirements of the MPI Phytosanitary Inspection Standard, in particular the staff pest identification competency?
These will need to be updated in each MAO system in time for the season commencement and the system audit. MPI is working with industry sector bodies on recognising their training course pest identification assessments. If you as an MAO require any assistance please contact Gisele Irvine (Market Access Solutionz).
The relevant Standard section 2.2, download the section here along with below a copy of the most up-to-date guidance from MPI on how the pest identification competencies could be met.
Extract from MPI guidance.
Pest Identification Competency Assessment
One of the new requirements we’ve added into the Phytosanitary Inspection Standard is the requirement for phytosanitary inspectors to be competent to identify pests to their level of assessed ability. MPI have put forward examples (see below) of how pest competency could be assessed.
Pest Identification to Genus level or higher
»» Successfully identifying a specific pest, to genus level or higher, on three consecutive occasions. This would be verified by an existing competent person for that nominated pest.
OR
»» Successfully completing a competency assessment at an MPI approved training course.
MPI will recognise an existing competent person based on:
»» At least three years prior experience and knowledge in the identification of a specific pest to genus level
OR
»» Successfully completing a competency assessment at an MPI approved training course.
Pest identification to Species level
Depending on the characteristics of the pest, a higher level of skill is expected when demonstrating competency in pest identification to species level. Below is an example of how competency to identify to the species level may be assessed.
»» Successfully identifying a specific pest to species level on multiple occasions which are verified by an MPI Approved Laboratory for Pest Identification.
In most cases it is difficult for inspectors to accurately identify early developing larval stages and eggs, unless they are very distinctive. In most cases it is expected that pest larvae and eggs would be sent to an MPI Approved Laboratory for Pest Identification, be treated, or the product be rejected from export.