Australian citrus exporters are increasingly concerned over plans to cut funding for fruit fly control programmes on 1 July, leaving growers to carry virtually the whole cost themselves.
These plans are only in place in Victoria and New South Wales. By contrast, the South Australian government invests millions of dollars protecting its fruit fly-free status. This involves employing a range of preventative strategies, such as vehicle checks at the border and fruit fly bins at airports.
Citrus Australia, the representative body for Australian citrus growers, has expressed strong concerns that if authorities in other states do not adopt South Australia’s approach, fruit fly could soon be endemic throughout the country.
The industry’s alarm is particularly heightened given that the plans to withdraw funding are scheduled to commence when fruit fly numbers are at their peak.
Tania Chapman of Citrus Australia says the recent warm weather has contributed to elevated fruit fly numbers.
'Fruit fly is very reliant on the weather and the climate, so when we have humid days obviously fruit flies breed and breed,' she said. 'Current numbers are certainly not because the growers haven't been vigilant and haven't been dealing with fruit fly.'
Peter Davidson, a member of the Riverina fruit fly task force, says these plans must be abandoned and tackling fruit fly made a priority.
'If we can't get on top of this and control it we have got real problems as a citrus industry,' he said.
The citrus industry is already struggling in the current export market as it is undercut by cheaper competition, with the high dollar playing a significant role in driving up produce costs.
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