A fruit fly outbreak in South Australia's northern region has led to national delays and increased prices for supermarket produce. Control measures necessitate fumigation of certain fruits and vegetables before distribution, influencing some growers to market their produce interstate.
Kingsley Songer, general manager of 4 Ways Fresh Produce, noted the fumigation process escalates handling times and costs, affecting produce like capsicum, eggplant, and zucchini. The requirement for fumigation, even for produce typically exempt, compounds issues related to cost and fruit quality. Specifically, capsicum experiences higher losses post-fumigation, which must be conducted at specific temperatures, adding to logistical challenges.
General Manager of Fruit Fly Emergency Response at the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA), emphasized the dual priorities of eradicating fruit fly and facilitating the movement of fruit for commercial growers. The aim is to maintain the economy's functionality while ensuring the secure transport of produce to metropolitan Adelaide and beyond, through treatments and assurance programs designed for growers.
Source: abc.net.au