The New Zealand kiwifruit industry has welcomed a government policy amendment allowing primary producers to claim compensation when affected by biosecurity incursions.
Previously the country’s Adverse Events policy only provided compensation to growers affected by climatic events and natural disasters.
The government’s new Primary Sector Recovery Policy includes a Biosecurity Recovery Framework that could provide assistance for growers affected by bacterial vine disease, Psa.
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) President Neil Trebilco said the organisation had been working with government to have biosecurity incursions, like Psa, included in the definition of Adverse Events, and that growers would welcome this change.
“Today’s announcement is a first step to having relief measures available for those growers hardest hit by Psa,” he said. “The next step is for NZKGI to continue to work with government to communicate the hardship that some growers are facing so that relief measures can be made available. At least now there is a framework to work with,” he added.
“The reality is that any relief that becomes available as a result of this change will only help those hardest hit by Psa. Growers have been asking for the sort of assistance that would be available under other Adverse Events to be made available to those who suffer hardship due to Psa.”
Almost half of New Zealand’s kiwifruit hectares are on orchards identified with Psa-V, and many other growers are facing increased prevention costs. While Psa is tough for all affected growers, it is expected that around 120 growers might qualify for the sort of relief available under the Primary Sector Recovery Policy.
The kiwifruit industry is now implementing its Psa recovery pathway replacing the existing gold variety, which is highly susceptible to Psa. The replacement variety Gold3 is considered more tolerant to Psa.
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