Horticulture roadmap aims to double farmgate returns by 2035
The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a new roadmap with an aim to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner, North, Mike Inglis says the $2.4 million cost of a recent biosecurity operation in South Auckland is small compared to the potential economic impact of an incursion.
Early last month, an Oriental fruit fly was discovered in the Mangere/ Papatoetoe area, kicking off a Controlled Area Notice and increased trapping in the area.
This month, controls in the area were lifted after no further fruit flies were found in the area, and Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand is “extremely pleased” with the outcome of its efforts. “Responding to threats from unwanted pests and diseases is something our people and our industry partners are pretty experienced in,” Inglis told Rural News.
Previously, New Zealand has experienced and eradicated 12 fruit fly incursions and Inglis says that means Biosecurity New Zealand had strong and detailed operational plans to guide the work.
“When this fruit fly was detected, our team moved quickly to bolster the number of traps and checks, put in legal controls to help prevent the movement of fruit and vegetables, deliver bins for waste disposal, and set up a mobile lab to inspect fruit and vegetables from the area for any eggs or larvae.”
Inglis says there was “fantastic” support both from those in the community and sector groups.
“Residents worked with the movement restrictions and regular checking of traps in their gardens and we are extremely grateful for their support,” he says.
“This response has been vital to our success in keeping fruit fly out of New Zealand. It could not have happened without backing from the community and the horticultural sector,” he adds.
“The actions taken in partnership with the sector were to protect our $7 billion horticulture industry and the estimated cost of around $2.4 million to respond to this pest is small in comparison with the economic impact to New Zealand of it becoming established here.”
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the initial discovery of the fruit fly highlights the importance of New Zealand having a strong biosecurity system.
“I would especially like to thank Biosecurity New Zealand staff for their work to rapidly stand up a response while most of us were enjoying a Christmas holiday,” Hoggard says.
“Incursions of pests and diseases don’t take a break and that’s why our biosecurity system doesn’t either.
“The dedication of skilled staff is vital to protect New Zealand’s valuable agricultural and horticultural exports.”
Meanwhile, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says growers will be pleased by the outcome of the biosecurity operation.
“Biosecurity is critical to their livelihoods, and growers rely on a strong, responsive system to protect their crops, orchards and market access,” she says. “While the movement restrictions have been lifted, we support the ongoing surveillance as part of routine biosecurity measures. Continued vigilance is essential to keeping our sector free of pests like Oriental fruit fly.”
A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.
It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.
It's critical that the horticulture sector works together as part of a goal to double the sector’s exports by 2035.
RaboResearch, the research arm of specialist agriculture industry banker Rabobank, sees positives for the Alliance Group in its proposed majority-stake sale to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
The ACT Party's call for a better deal on the Paris Agreement on climate change is being backed by farmer organisations.
A 50% tariff slapped by the US on goods from India last month has opened an opportunity for New Zealand wool carpets exports to North America.
OPINION: One particular bone the Hound has been gnawing on for years now is how the chattering classes want it…
OPINION: Our Aussie mates never miss a chance to put one over us, as seen in a recent op-ed by…