The appointment of a full time manager and six new industry representatives has reinforced the credentials of the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC). Darryl Barbour has been appointed national manager, entering the role with a background in entomology and experience in biosecurity, pest management, market access, and codes of practice for both Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies.
Plant Health Australia (PHA) executive director and CEO Greg Fraser said Mr Barbour was an excellent choice for the role.
“Darryl will be ideal because of his thorough understanding of the issues, and an ability to work with a range of stakeholders including regulatory officials, growers, packers and industry bodies,” Mr Fraser said.
“The Council will need to ensure that everyone is engaged in fruit fly management.”
Membership of the Council has also been broadened in order to further carry out its mission to coordinate fruit fly management activities at a national level.
There are now 17 members on the council including representatives from the stonefruit, citrus, cherry, pome and mango industries.
The NFFC brings together government and industry members to drive the delivery of a national system that prevents fruit flies being a constraint to sustainable production or a barrier to trade and market access.
It considers the management of Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly, which affect yield and market access for Australian produce.
It also oversees efforts to prevent exotic species from establishing.
NFFC independent chair Jon Durham said it was essential to expand membership to increase the representation of people affected by fruit flies, in order to develop a truly national solution.
Meanwhile, Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) declared an outbreak of Mediterranean Fruit Fly in early April following the discovery of flies in the Highgate area.
A 1.5 kilometre quarantine area was established around the outbreak and an eradication program has begun.
PIRSA Manager Plant Health Operations Biosecurity SA Nick Secomb said South Australia is the only Australian mainland state that is fruit fly free and it is important that it stays that way.
"In 2014-15 the estimated farm gate value of South Australia's horticultural produce vulnerable to fruit fly infestation, including wine grapes and almonds, was $1.1 billion," he said.
"This status also helps to secure producers' access to lucrative citrus markets such as Japan, USA, Thailand and New Zealand, which in 2014-15 was worth approximately $40 million.
"Successful eradication of isolated fruit fly detections such as this one helps to maintain our state's fruit fly free status."
Source: farmweekly.com.au
