New Zealand’s world leading apple and pear industry has gained a significant funding boost to help prepare and manage biosecurity threats, through the Government’s MPI Sustainable Farming Fund grant.

New Zealand Apples & Pears biosecurity manager Nicola Robertson said the $420,000 grant, announced this week, would make a huge difference for protecting the industry’s future.

“We are living with the risk of biosecurity threats every day, that could have devastating impacts for growers and across New Zealand.

“This grant will help us ensure the industry is ready and able to protect against a range of biosecurity threats, including Fruit Fly and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).

“Our industry is moving to implement a more pro-active and connected response, working together with the public as a stronger force to fight any incursion that reaches New Zealand shores 

“We’ve had fruit fly, the stink bug is on the horizon and we must prepare now for whatever comes next,” said Robertson.

The grant will fund a three year programme that includes a range of key milestones from response options for apple and pear growers, treatment and control options for fruit fly and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug,  to implementing biosecurity hubs in the growing regions and running training workshops with members.

“It also includes developing and publishing response plans and industry biosecurity guidelines and conducting simulations with members to test response plans,” Robertson said.

NZAPI will be working with the entire industry to ensure we get the most out of the project which will also include greater public awareness,” she said.

Caption: NZAPI Biosecurity Manager Nicola Robertson

For more information please contact

NZAPI Biosecurity Manager

Nicola Robertson – 027 514 8408.