KVH and MPI are finalising a kiwifruit sector operational agreement under the GIA partnership for pests and pathogens that are specific to the kiwifruit and kiwiberry sectors, and are working to have the agreement in place in March 2017.

The agreement will initially focus on the major threats to our industry, including Ceratocystis fimbriata, Verticillium wilt, non-NZ strains of Psa, and invasive Phytophthora’s. It will include readiness and response plans for the major sector risks that will enable us to be able to find and respond immediately to eradicate if these are found in NZ. It also confirms cost sharing between MPI and KVH on a 50/50 basis for the costs involved.