Industry body affirms national approach as industry transitions from eradication to management
Ausveg met with Victorian seed potato growers to provide an update on managing Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) from the national perspective during an industry forum in Bungaree on 23 October.
The industry body updated the forum – convened by Seed Potatoes Victoria and AuSPICA – on the current status of PMTV and affirmed the national approach as the transition to management progresses.
PMTV has only been confirmed as present in Tasmania, with restrictions and conditions remaining in place in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia on the movement of potatoes from the island state to the mainland.
Ausveg has said it strongly supports a consistent, science and evidence-based approach to the safe movement of seed, ware and processing potatoes to facilitate continuation of trade where possible, while mitigating and managing risks.
That consistency has become increasingly important with Biosecurity Tasmania having now confirmed it is winding down its official response to PMTV, meaning the virus moves to be managed through the potato production process by industry.
In response the industry body has announced it will bring key government and potato industry stakeholders and decision-makers together at an 18 November meeting in Melbourne to promote a consistent national approach to the ongoing management of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV).
During the November meeting, invitees including all state and federal biosecurity agencies, chief biosecurity officers, and industry and grower representatives will discuss the safe, and risk-based movement of potatoes, including seed, across the country.
“The detection of Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania earlier this year has presented significant challenges and considerations for potato growers, both in Tasmania and across the country,” said Ausveg CEO Michael Coote.
“As the national biosecurity focus moves to management of PMTV, Ausveg is committed to promoting a biosecurity approach that enables business continuity, trade and market access for the seed, ware and processing potato industry through uniform testing, tracing and trade protocols, as part of our ongoing efforts to protect and progress the interests of Australian potato growers.”
As the transition to management of the virus continues, Ausveg, along with the Commonwealth and Plant Health Australia, are working through options for reimbursement and compensation for growers who have experienced financial losses or incurred costs because of jurisdictional biosecurity orders as part of the response to PMTV. Legal details are being worked through, and the industry body will communicate these as clarity is achieved.
