Seven years ago the vine-killing disease PSA devastated the kiwifruit industry in the Bay of Plenty and many growers are still struggling, newshub.co.nz learned. These include growers such as the Harrises, whose Te Puke kiwifruit orchard was sold by the bank after it was ravaged by PSA.
Those growers who are still in business are also hurting, as most orchards still have the disease. And this year has been the worst it has spread since 2010, due to a wetter and cooler winter. Some 212 kiwifruit growers filed a class action against the Ministry for Primary Industries, citing negligence. MPI has denied the allegation. Growers say PSA has cost the industry 800 million dollars.
