Psa: Review Import Requirements And Border Processes

4 July 2012

Media Release

Review of Import Requirements And Border Processes in Light of the Entry of Psa into New Zealand

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) says the findings of a review into the incursion of the kiwifruit vine-killing disease Psa, underline how critical it is for the country’s Biosecurity to be appropriately resourced.

NZKGI’s President Neil Trebilco said the failings identified in the independent review by the Sapere Research Group must be urgently addressed.

“This report comes only weeks after the Queensland Fruit Fly find. The impact of the Psa Biosecurity incursion has already been severe on our industry, but had the fruit fly established itself here the cost to New Zealand’s entire horticultural industry would have been massive.

“NZ’s Primary producers bring export dollars into New Zealand every year. The Biosecurity border is a safeguard ensuring that New Zealanders don’t lose those valuable export dollars. Every export dollar lost impacts everyday New Zealanders as overseas earnings and primary producers’ tax helps pay for our domestic infrastructure costs.

“Both Psa and the Queensland Fruit Fly examples highlight how critical it is for those tasked with protecting our borders to get it right. Lessons need to be learned from Psa so that biosecurity risks to New Zealand are identified, assessed and acted upon with sufficient resource,” Mr Trebilco said.

Mr Trebilco said the report had identified specific failings with the way in which the then Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry managed its biosecurity processes in relation to Psa.

“NZKGI is concerned enough about these failings that on behalf of growers we seek legal advice to assess the review and related information, to ascertain if we should take any further action.

“Many growers have lost all, or part, of their livelihoods as a result of Psa coming into New Zealand. As the grower representative organisation, it is NZKGI’s job to consider all possible options for growers impacted by Psa,” Mr Trebilco said.

Mr Trebilco said there were some key steps the Government could take right now to enhance biosecurity, including x-raying all baggage coming into New Zealand, beagles meeting all flights into New Zealand and better consultation with industry on New Zealand’s biosecurity.

“All primary producers have a significant reliance on the effectiveness of New Zealand’s biosecurity system. For the system to be as effective as possible, Government and industry must work together across every aspect of biosecurity, including pre-border risk assessment and border control,” Mr Trebilco said.

Mr Trebilco said NZKGI would now consider the review in more depth and wait for subsequent legal advice before taking the next steps.

ENDS

About New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI)
NZKGI was established in 1993 to represent New Zealand’s 2,700 kiwifruit growers and give growers their own voice in industry and government decision making and was formed following the downturn in the kiwifruit industry in the early 1990’s.

NZKGI’s VISION is to be a strong grower organisation that demonstrates industry leadership in which growers and other industry participants actively participate.

NZKGI’s MISSION is to represent, protect and enhance the commercial and political interests of New Zealand Kiwifruit growers.

NZKGI’s Grower Forum consists of 22 regional and district representatives and 13 industry group representatives. Forum members are elected every three years by all kiwifruit growers via a postal ballot.

© Scoop Media