KVH is looking at a new regulation framework to better manage biosecurity risk to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.

Growers views are being sought on a proposed new Pathway Management Plan, which would offer better protection, more value for money, and increased simplicity around rules and regulations.

Instead of focusing on a single pest, like Psa, the proposed Plan focuses on management of risk associated with the pathways by which diseases or pests are transmitted. This covers the full range of biosecurity threats to our industry and provides for a consistent and pragmatic approach to managing pathway risks such as movement of all plant material, international visitors, and high-risk second hand or imported equipment coming onto our orchards.

The proposed Plan is equivalent to the current Psa-V National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) but is more fit-for-purpose and makes sure all the right settings are in place so that we can detect anything new quickly enough to stop its spread, limit impacts, and aim for eradication.

KVH proposes that the Plan will replace the current Psa-V NPMP as it will retain the important elements needed for Psa protection (e.g. controlling movements of high-risk pathways to the South Island) but also provide much wider benefits:

· better protection

· more value for money

· increased simplicity around rules and regulations

· right settings for early detection of new threats

· consistent and pragmatic.

Pathway plans enable an organisation like KVH to do things like setting clear objectives and rules for the industry and accessing powers needed to effectively manage risks on a wider scale than for just Psa. They designate a management agency responsible for the Plan, which in this case would be KVH. They also enable the agency to raise funding through a levy if needed, although KVH is hoping to manage this all under one existing levy, without any net increase to growers.

The proposed Plan is summarised in the one-page fact sheet available here and detailed in the consultation paper available here. Both documents are available on our website, alongside a submission form. You can also email us at info@kvh.org.nz or phone 0800 665 825 to provide comments.

Based on feedback received, a full plan and implementation schedule will be developed and shared in early 2020 for your input before it is finalised.

We encourage you to have a say and let us know your thoughts on the proposed new Plan.