Ausveg will meet with Victorian seed potato growers in Bungaree today to discuss the national approach to managing Potato mop-top virus (PMTV). The update follows a decision by the National Management Group, operating under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), that PMTV is not technically feasible to eradicate after its detection in Tasmania earlier this year.
The virus will now transition from official eradication efforts to long-term management by industry, with Ausveg, the national body representing Australia's potato industry, coordinating national communication and consistency between jurisdictions.
© Ausveg
PMTV has so far been confirmed only in Tasmania. Restrictions remain in place on the movement of potatoes from Tasmania to Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. Ausveg is advocating for a science-based, consistent national framework to allow the safe movement of seed, ware, and processing potatoes while managing the associated risks.
With Biosecurity Tasmania winding down its official response, the virus will now be managed through regular production and biosecurity processes. To support this, Ausveg will convene a meeting in Melbourne on 18 November bringing together state and federal biosecurity agencies, chief biosecurity officers, and industry representatives. The meeting will focus on developing uniform national protocols for testing, tracing, and movement of potatoes.
"The detection of Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania earlier this year has presented challenges for potato growers 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."
While PMTV can reduce crop yield and quality, it has no impact on human health, and affected potatoes remain safe for consumption.
Testing of Tasmanian seed potatoes shipped to the mainland prior to restrictions detected the virus in only one seed line, which remains quarantined under a biosecurity order. Agriculture Victoria has verified this result, and the seed will be destroyed in accordance with biosecurity protocols. No other imported Tasmanian seed lots have tested positive for PMTV.
Ausveg advises that decisions to plant seed should align with advice from state regulators and biosecurity testing results.
Discussions are ongoing between Ausveg, the Commonwealth, and Plant Health Australia on possible compensation options for growers affected by biosecurity orders related to PMTV. Legal and procedural details are still being developed, and further information will be communicated once available.
For more information:
Andrew MacDonald
Ausveg
Tel: +61 03 9882 0277
Email: [email protected]
www.ausveg.com.au
