Managing risk from importing plants could stop the next incursion

KVH has made a submission on behalf of the kiwifruit industry to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on the proposed Import Health Standard (IHS) for Actinidia plants for planting.

The IHS sets out the proposed import requirements for Actinidia nursery stock, specifically for plants in vitro (tissue culture), imported into New Zealand for further propagation. This pathway has not been active since 2013 because of the Psa incursion.

KVH recognises importing new kiwifruit material is an important part of maintaining the competitive advantage of our industry, however our submission focuses on the level of uncertainty around potential risk of introducing new biosecurity threats and how this risk must be carefully managed so that if the pathway is enacted, it is robust and reduces risk to the kiwifruit industry. We have also included specific technical advice we commissioned from experts in the science community in New Zealand and overseas.

All submissions are now being considered by MPI. There will then be a 10 day period where all submitters have the opportunity to examine any changes to the IHS which have resulted from the consultation.

We will keep growers informed before any decisions are made on the outcome of this pathway.

If you have any questions about the KVH submission, please contact us at [email protected] or phone us on 0800 665 825.