Senate Inquiry findings relating to potential Australian importation of New Zealand potatoes, Fijian ginger and Malaysian fresh pineapples has been delayed once more.Robbie Davis, CEO of Potatoes of South Australia says the delay demonstrates the seriousness of biosecurity in Australia.
"Our competitive advantage is consistent premium quality. We have spoken with Federal Senators concerning the delay and it surrounds the Risk Estimation Matrix. An independent Risk Management specialist has prepared advice on this matrix used by DAFF Biosecurity as part of the Import Risk Analysis process and a response by DAFF has been received. There is now on-going analysis."
The news is being welcomed by the Australian agricultural industry in general, as there are concerns the import of each of the different produce varieties carries its own biosecurity threat which, in the case of potatoes, is the potato/tomato psyllid which spreads the zebra chip disease.
As Australia continues to weigh the risks of allowing the import, researchers continue to seek a solution to the disease.
"Entomologists and other scientists globally are working together to better understand the life cycles of the bacterium and psyllid in order to prevent an incursion and control the disease's spread," Robbie says.
Terry Buckley, a potato grower from Tarpeena in Australia's South East, says, “This delay in the findings of the Inquiry is not a bad thing. It shows that genuine research and consideration is being applied in this determination. I believe that the zebra chip disease may do very well in Australia as we have a temperate climate and grow potatoes 24/7. The environment may be ideal for the disease to spread at an even faster rate and cause more financial devastation than in the USA or New Zealand. This delay also provides additional research time to study the effects of the disease with the objective of discovering effective prevention and mitigation."
For more information:
Robbie Davis
Chief Executive Officer
Potatoes South Australia
Tel: +61 8 8425 4531
Mob: +61 427 084 319
[email protected]
www.potatoessa.com.au
