Kiwifruit Growers Welcome Recognition of Biosecurity Problem

27 June 2012

Media Release

Kiwifruit Growers Welcome Government Recognition of Biosecurity Hardship

The Government has today announced a new Primary Sector Recovery Policy that will include a Biosecurity Recovery Framework. Previously the Adverse Events policy only applied to climatic events and natural disasters, but not to Biosecurity incursions.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) President Neil Trebilco said “NZKGI has been working with Government to get Biosecurity incursions, like Psa, included in the definition of Adverse Events, and growers will welcome this change.

“Today’s announcement is a first step to having relief measures available for those growers hardest hit by Psa. The next step is for NZKGI to continue to work with Government to communicate the hardship that some growers are facing so that relief measures can be made available. At least now there is a framework to work with.”

“The reality is that any relief that becomes available as a result of this change will only help those hardest hit by Psa. Growers have been asking for the sort of assistance that would be available under other Adverse Events to be made available to those who suffer hardship due to Psa.”

46% of New Zealand’s kiwifruit hectares are on an orchard identified with Psa-V, and many other growers are facing increased prevention costs. While Psa is tough for all affected growers, it’s expected that around 120 growers might qualify for the sort of relief available under the Primary Sector Recovery Policy.

The kiwifruit industry is now implementing its Psa recovery pathway replacing the existing gold variety which is highly susceptible to Psa. The replacement variety Gold3 is considered more tolerant to Psa.
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