Tasmanian growers disappointed with blueberry rust management plan
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association says the decision to manage the disease through regulated containment methods, rather than eradicate it, is a major blow, particularly for organic producers.
The comments follow calls by the TFGA, blueberry growers and industry stakeholders for the Government to ensure the disease would be eradicated from the state.
TFGA chief executive officer Peter Skillern said it was now clear the advice surrounding blueberry rust in 2016 was not appropriate as it has continued to cause issues for the industry.
“Having taken this decision, the Government will now have to accept responsibility for future outbreaks of blueberry rust and any decline of the industry in Tasmania, most notably the lucrative organic sector, which represents over 25 per cent,’’ Mr Skillern said.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the strategy was based on science and managing industry impact. Mr Rockliff said their evidence and advice was that in the current circumstances the disease cannot be permanently eradicated and a regulated containment approach was the best strategy.
source: weeklytimesnow.com.au
