3. TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister for Biosecurity
What recent announcements has the Government made in relation to the kiwifruit disease Psa?
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister for Biosecurity) Link to this
Today I have announced that the Government is committing $25 million to fund an urgent, aggressive containment strategy to fight the kiwifruit disease Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae(Psa). This will be matched dollar for dollar by the industry, resulting in a $50 million Government-industry plan to tackle the spread of Psa and minimise its impact on New Zealand’s $1.5 billion kiwifruit industry. The rapid response made by the Government to this issue is a great example of the industry and the Government working together, and, in the words of Zespri itself, it demonstrates this Government’s commitment to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.
The response package announced today reflects the compelling proposal put to the Government yesterday by the industry. If approved by growers, it will see an aggressive programme of management action, such as pruning back infected canes and vines, awarding compensation to affected growers for loss of income, and continuing research into the disease. Once the initial stages of response are complete, and infection rates are minimised, the industry will put together a long-term, self-funded pest management strategy. The aim is not eradication, but doing the utmost to minimise the impact of Psa on one of our brightest primary sector industries.
Hon Damien O’Connor Link to this
How much would it cost to rehire the 54 front-line Biosecurity New Zealand job positions that he cut in 2009, and will this be part of the response package so that future disease incursions will have a greater chance of being stopped at the border?
I cannot answer with accuracy on that figure, but I am certainly aware that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry faced a $4 million deficit associated with a dramatic fall in cargo volumes of 45 percent.
Today’s announcement of a major funding commitment was a decision not made lightly by the Government. It recognised the compelling case put forward by the kiwifruit industry to ensure its future viability, and the major contribution that kiwifruit makes to the New Zealand economy. It also recognises this Government’s commitment to our biosecurity system and to New Zealand’s primary sector.