First readiness and response plan under GIA

KVH has developed a Readiness and Response Plan for Brazilian Wilt (Ceratocystis fimbriata), the first of its kind under the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity Readiness and Response. Brazilian Wilt is one of Kiwifruit's Most Unwanted and a priority for readiness work by KVH. It’s a fungus with a wide host range and wide geographic and genetic diversity. Non-New Zealand strains (for which this plan was developed) would likely cause significant production impacts to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry. The fungus is present in over 35 countries, including New Zealand, in a wide range of hosts. There is significant uncertainty about which strains present a risk to kiwifruit, where these strains are present and the possible entry pathways. The disease-causing kiwifruit strain in Brazil would likely cause significant production impacts as potentially all kiwifruit cultivars are susceptible. The impact of other strains is unknown. Market access impacts are unlikely for fruit. If Brazilian Wilt is confirmed in kiwifruit, actions to manage the response will follow commitments that have been entered into by KVH - on behalf of industry - and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) under GIA and as per the developed plan. The plan was finalised and formally signed by KVH and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) last Tuesday. Pictured above signing the Brazilian Wilt readiness and response plan are, from left, GIA Partnerships Senior Business Analyst Grant Boston, GIA Partnerships Team Manager Angela Brownie, KVH CEO Barry O’Neil and MPI’s Readiness Group Manager Melanie Russell.