THE NORTHERN Territory has locked in long-term access to Western Australia for its mango growers, finding its way through WA’s strict biosecurity laws.
A media release from the Northern Territory government said the new agreement cements the NT’s position as Australia’s leading mango producer and delivered certainty for growers ahead of the 2025 harvest.
The newly endorsed Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) protocol, ICA-69, replaces the previous trial agreement between the NT and WA, known as CTM-01, into a permanent, nationally recognised process for sending mangoes into WA.
It allows four major mango varieties Honey Gold, R2E2, Calypso, and Kensington Pride to be exported into WA using an alternative treatment option.
“Managing fruit fly risk is a key part of the new ICA-69 agreement. Growers must spray their trees before harvest, carefully inspect fruit for any signs of pests, and only send mangoes that are hard, mature, and of Class 1 quality,” the release said.
“Vapour Heat Treatment, where mangoes are gently heated with warm, moist air to kill fruit fly pests before transport, remains an important and trusted option for all mango varieties.
“The new ICA-69 process provides Territory growers a reliable, long-term pathway to send four major varieties into Western Australia, while the existing CTM-01 agreement will continue to apply for exports to South Australia.”
Agriculture minister, Gerard Maley, said the approval of ICA-69 is a game-changer for Territory growers.
“The Territory harvests the majority of Australia’s mango crop, producing 52% of the nation’s mangoes in the 2024/25 season, that’s 27,500 tonnes or 3.9 million trays picked from orchards stretching between Darwin and Mataranka,” Mr Maley said.
“The industry contributes an estimated $100 million to the Territory economy each year and supports around 2500 local, national and international workers during harvest.
“By securing market access and investing in research into Mango Twig Tip Dieback, our government is safeguarding the long-term viability of our mango industry, delivering certainty for growers, protecting jobs, and reinforcing our place as Australia’s leading mango producer.”
Allen Newton
