KVH and Zespri have established a Kiwifruit Biosecurity Steering Group with a goal of reducing the risk and impact of biosecurity incursions to the kiwifruit industry.

Consisting of members from KVH, Zespri, Plant and Food Research, Scion, Avocados New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the steering group will identify knowledge gaps and prioritise research needs relating to kiwifruit biosecurity threats not yet established in New Zealand.

Associated with the steering group is the newly established Kiwifruit Biosecurity Research Portfolio. The portfolio is funded by the KVH biosecurity levy with matching contributions by Zespri and managed by the Zespri Innovation team.

The Biosecurity Steering Group will prioritise research to meet the following objectives;

• Develop a greater understanding of the biosecurity threats to the kiwifruit industry;
• Develop tools to reduce the likelihood of establishment and impact of these biosecurity threats, which includes tools for diagnostics, surveillance, eradication and management;
• Pathway analysis to understand where gaps may occur in the biosecurity system and take a collaborative approach with the Ministry for Primary Industries to address these.

More information about the new Biosecurity Steering Group will be provided in the next Kiwifruit Journal article.