Summerfruit Australia Limited has formally written to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, requesting the activation of a Biosecurity Response Levy on stone fruit at a proposed rate of $0.001 cents per kilogram from October 1, 2026.
The proposed levy would enable the summerfruit industry to meet its cost-sharing obligations under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. As a signatory to the deed, the industry is required to repay its share of national response costs relating to the Varroa mite and Exotic Fruit Fly responses in the Torres Strait.
© Summerfruit Australia
At the request of Summerfruit Australia, the Commonwealth has underwritten these contributions to date. Repayment of these funds would be facilitated through the biosecurity response levy. Based on current production volumes, the repayment period is expected to be within four seasons.
As part of the formal process, an objection period will be held from 4 March to 8 April 2026, spanning 35 calendar days. During this time, summerfruit levy payers are invited to provide feedback, raise concerns, or lodge formal objections regarding the proposed levy rate.
Following the close of the objection period, all submissions will be reviewed. A summary of feedback will then be provided to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of the activation process.
Summerfruit Australia has encouraged levy payers to review the proposal and provide input to ensure levy settings reflect industry needs while meeting financial obligations under the EPPPRD.
For further information, levy payers can contact Summerfruit Australia CEO Carrie Starkings at [email protected]. Objections must include the reasons for the objection and confirm whether the individual lodging the objection is a stonefruit levy payer, along with contact details.
Stakeholders seeking to provide confidential feedback may contact the department at [email protected] with "SAL BRL" in the subject line.
© Summerfruit AustraliaFor more information:
Carrie Starkings
Summerfruit Australia
Email: [email protected]
www.summerfruit.com.au
