ZESPRI Psa Media Update: 12pm Thursday 18Nov

ZESPRI UPDATE

12.00pm 18 November 2010

New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry – Psa information update – updates in red

LATEST INFORMATION:

ZESPRI and the Government have today publicly announced a $50 million joint government and industry investment towards the aggressive management of the bacterial vine disease, Psa

The kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council (with grower, post-harvest and ZESPRI representation) is consulting with growers around the country regarding the industry management strategy for Psa, which includes a $25 million contribution from the New Zealand Government, and $25 million from industry.

The strategy provides some assistance for affected growers to take aggressive action on their orchards to reduce the level of the bacteria and minimise further spread, and lower the potential losses from Psa.

The investment in this partnership demonstrates the government’s commitment to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry and the continued development of the long-term management strategy for Psa.

The IAC will meet again at 6pm on Friday 19 November to consider industry feedback and confirm the details of the Industry Management Strategy

Of the total orchards inspected by trained assessors (n=308), 13% have been put on a Restricted Place Notice (n=40)

38% of the total number of orchards tested have come back negative – these tests are on sample material taken from orchards throughout the North Island and sampling continues on orchards across all kiwifruit growing regions in NZ. A further 50% of test results are pending and 12% are positive.

Eight orchards out of the 37 confirmed (or 20%) are GREEN orchards.

Some growers under a Restricted Place Notice are taking action on their own orchards to cut back affected vines, and they’re doing this in conjunction with MAF to follow correct hygiene and disposal procedures.

ZESPRI has received 942 emails through its Contact Centre – approximately 35% are reporting suspected symptoms (which are immediately being followed up) and 65% are emailing to report that their orchard is clear of Psa symptoms

Psa is a bacterial vine disease that carries no risks associated with human or animal health, and does not affect plants other than kiwifruit vines. Psa has been present in Italy, Korea and Japan for many years but has not previously been detected in New Zealand.

Because Psa is not transmitted on kiwifruit, there has been no change to market access for New Zealand kiwifruit.

The New Zealand kiwifruit industry is a strong and coordinated industry, working well together, and we’re confident that this issue will be overcome to ensure a prosperous future for the industry.

ENDS

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