THE Senate committee investigating the proposal to import potatoes from New Zealand for processing handed down its report yesterday and raised biosecurity concerns.
Ausveg public affairs manager William Churchill said the report vindicates growers’ concerns about potential threats from the Zebra Chip disease and its vector the Tomato-potato Psyllid from entering into Australia.
The Zebra Chip disease complex has been ravaging the New Zealand potato industry since 2008, however, Australia is currently free of the disease that has caused by industry estimates in excess of $200 million in damages to the NZ industry, according to Ausveg.
The Senate committee recommended that a new Import Risk Analysis (IRA) be conducted again by the Department, paying particular attention to disease pathways into Australia, a lack of reliable diagnostic testing for the Zebra Chip bacteria and greater consideration be given to other pests and diseases in New Zealand.
Mr Churchill said Ausveg welcomed an opportunity to work more closely with the Department of Agriculture to ensure a more thorough IRA was conducted and that all available science was considered.
“It must be comprehensive scientific understanding and rigorous biosecurity protocols that will keep the Psyllid out of Australia,” he said.
A statement released by Ausveg said the report delivered similar findings for ginger and pineapple growers.
