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Working together of fruit fly

Three-year agreement with industry to work together on Sunraysia fruit fly

Stone fruit, table grape and citrus producers in the Greater Sunraysia region have joined together to work with Government on their local fruit fly management program.

In Mildura, Vic Agriculture Minister Joe Helper announced that industry and the Brumby Labor Government will form a $1.1 million partnership to work on the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (PFA) project over the next three years.

It will see Horticulture Australia members - the Australian Table Grape Association, Citrus Australia and Murray Valley Citrus Board – matching the commitment of Government in managing the contribution to fruit fly control in the region.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to work side-by-side with industry on the issues that matter to them,” Mr Helper said.

“Three years ago we signed an agreement with industry to work together on the Greater Sunraysia PFA and that agreement has resulted in a joint investment of about $1 million to help local fruit producers gain access to lucrative overseas markets and recently enabled the consignment of fresh citrus to Japan under area freedom arrangements.

“As part of the investment over the last three years, border protection, roadblocks and community awareness have all been enhanced and critical improvements made to quarantine infrastructure.

“The new $1.1 million agreement will further build on that support and maintain the region’s PFA status and hopefully give the region greater clout to export to other Asian markets.”

Chair of the Australian Table Grape Association Nick Muraca said he was pleased with the progress made through the partnership between the Victorian Government and industry.

“This support demonstrates the Government’s commitment to horticulture,” Mr Muraca said.

“With the increasing demand for food from our overseas neighbours, access to these markets is of paramount importance.”

Mr Helper said despite the achievements to date, the detection of Queensland fruit fly outbreaks at Mildura and Barham earlier this year highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance.

“The PFA infrastructure helped with the successful eradication of these outbreaks,” he said.

“The ongoing funding of the project will allow further strengthening of regional biosecurity and minimise the impacts of Queensland fruit fly on local producers.”