FEDERAL funding will target fruit fly hotspots, while monitoring regions such as SA, with high-tech systems to give early warnings of fly movements.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said a $16.9 million dollar package would assure our trading partners when produce came from a fruit-fly free area.
"Fruit fly outbreaks cost the horticultural industry millions every year,” Mr Littleproud said.
“If we take control of fruit fly we’ll get access to more premium markets and boost farm gate prices.”
Mr Littleproud said a trial was in place of smart-traps that would send an instant alert if fruit fly was detected.
“We’re also investing in a national mapping program, to track the movement of QFly in summer,” he said.
“The flies make their way south as it warms up and this will let growers know where they are and help us target where to release our sterile fruit flies.
“We’re putting extension officers on the ground to help growers use the latest science.
“They’ll help farmers work through the latest R&D and put it to work in their orchards.
“This package will help protect our $18 billion horticultural industry and reassure our trading partners of the systems we have in place.”
The funding will help with Mediterranean fruit fly in areas such as WA, NT and SA and the native Qld fruit fly along the east coast.
The National Fruit Fly Council has welcomed the further investment to strengthen the fruit fly management system.
“Having a strong fruit fly system is very important as it will ensure growers and state governments have the tools they need to understand and manage the fruit fly threat, and to eradicate outbreaks if they occur,” council chair Jon Durham said.
“We cannot be complacent. The changing impact of fruit flies in production regions and last year’s outbreaks highlight that we need to always be on our guard.”
The council, which met earlier this week, was pleased to hear more detail about the commitment from the Australian government to the national system, supporting exports and on the ground management of fruit flies.
Speaking at the funding announcement on his orchard in Mooroopna, Vic, fruit grower and council member Peter Hall said a comprehensive approach that looked at surveillance, monitoring and appropriate action in all regions of Australia was the best way forward.
“This is an excellent result as our export markets are demanding better control over pests and diseases, and a program like this is sorely needed,” he said.
“We need a system that ensures Australia continues to be a preferred provider of high quality, safe horticultural products.”
