Fruit fly in firing line

A vital plan to further build resilience into Australia’s fruit fly management has received a $30 million funding boost from the Australian Government.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Minister for Families and Social Services and Women’s Safety, Senator said the funding will enable rural and regional communities to fight back against the impacts of fruit fly.

“Fruit fly is a significant pest for our horticultural industries, so we need to tackle the issue from different angles,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Australia produces around $6.5 billion worth of crops that fruit fly would love a piece of, so it’s important that we protect our vital horticulture industries.

“We’re looking to stop the spread of fruit fly through regional Australia, while also driving the numbers of fruit flies down.

“We’ll work together with our state and territory government counterparts to make sure our farmers can get the best out of their crops year in, year out.”

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said tackling fruit fly was essential for local exporters to maintain their market advantage.

“It’s vital to get fruit fly off the table as a barrier for local producers and ensure regions like the Adelaide Hills and Riverland can continue to access lucrative export markets,” Senator Ruston said.

“A key component of this is our commitment to build critical post-harvest infrastructure in South Australia to meet immediate needs in response to increasing outbreaks.

“South Australia is a horticulture powerhouse and this will help us to continue to punch above our weight into the future.

“We are committed to supporting our growers to achieve their potential and the communities that rely on them.”

This announcement builds on the government’s commitment in 2018 of $16.9 million over four years to strengthen and modernise fruit fly management across Australia.

The Federal Government also acknowledges the work of Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie who has advocated for this funding.

Fast Facts:

• Building Resilience to Manage Fruit Fly package provides $30 million over three years for:
  • essential upgrades to state-managed roadblocks or quarantine stations to stop the spread of fruit fly
  • consolidation and expansion of sterile insect technology capability to drive down pest pressure in vulnerable areas
  • critical post-harvest treatment infrastructure nationally to grow exports.
• Projects will create regional employment opportunities in supply chain logistics and construction.