Earlier this week growers were emailed information about KVH’s proposal regarding the future funding of biosecurity readiness and response activities, in advance of more detailed discussions at November grower roadshows.

KVH has been working hard with the industry to mitigate numerous dangerous biosecurity threats to the kiwifruit industry, such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), fruit flies and Brazilian Wilt.

These are the most commonly known pests we’re on the lookout for but the list of unwanteds that could seriously impact on our industry if they arrive here reaches over 90, some of which have the potential to reduce OGR’s by 30-50%.

The funding mechanisms of KVH are now out of date based on the serious nature and scope of the biosecurity risks we face. They were originally established for Psa, but we now need them to be able to respond to future biosecurity events, which could involve a major eradication effort and its associated costs.

The KVH Board’s proposal to address this is to increase the maximum ceiling of the levy for biosecurity from its current 1 cent per tray to a new maximum of 5 cents per tray. The Board has given this proposal careful consideration and review to ensure it is the best way to future proof our ability to respond to future biosecurity risks.

This proposal will not increase the existing amount that growers currently pay to KVH. It is not asking growers to agree to any increase to our operating levy rate, only the ceiling level of the levy.

An increase in the ceiling of the levy will provide the necessary ability for the industry to fund a major incursion. At the time of such an event, the KVH Board (after taking advice from industry) will activate the increase to the levy - up to, but not beyond the 5 cent maximum - to pay for the kiwifruit industry’s agree cost share.

Based on the feedback we receive about the proposed levy change, we would then make a decision as to whether we formally request an increase to the Minister for Biosecurity, or not. Please do have a read of the information that has been emailed to you. We welcome your feedback. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact KVH on 0800 665 825 or by email.

KVH will presenting more information about the proposal and discussing the potential change with members in more depth at grower roadshows in November. View the PowerPoint that accompanies the presentations.

If you didn’t receive an email with information about the proposal you can download from the KVH website the letter and background leaflet that were sent out. Alternatively, please feel free to email us and we can send a copy to you.

KVH has also produced a set of frequently asked questions and answers to provide growers with as much up-to-date information about the proposal as possible, and to ensure this information is easily accessible to all. This document will be regularly updated.