Preparing for the next biosecurity incursion at an on-orchard level

The threat of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) highlighted in recent Bulletin articles, has reinforced the risk of biosecurity incursions to the kiwifruit industry. KVH is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other horticultural sectors to prepare specifically for BMSB, but we also have efforts under way within our own industry to ensure that we are prepared for the next biosecurity incursion - whatever this might be. A key component of this is to ensure that the industry is managing our internal pathways with on-orchard biosecurity practices. To achieve this an industry working group, including growers and the wider industry, met again Tuesday to further progress the development of industry on-orchard biosecurity guidelines. KVH Biosecurity Analyst Matt Dyck says the group was originally created by KVH to ensue key partners are involved in the creation of the guidelines, which will provide consistency across the industry and provide guidance as to the level of business-as-usual good biosecurity practice required. “Biosecurity puts growers investment at risk – in terms of dollar value, jobs, and community impact. It’s imperative we manage that risk and protect growers through awareness, education and operational guidelines.” “Draft guidelines were presented to the group for discussion, including what supporting documents and tools will be needed to help with implementation, and therefore improve ability to withstand a future biosecurity incursion.” “We received a lot of good feedback about the guidelines and posters we’ve already created, particularly around how practical they are. The workshop also raised some useful ideas about how we can make them even more fit-for-purpose for growers, packhouses and wider audiences.” Next week KVH will work with other primary industries to align our approach and explore how a community-based approach can strengthen on-orchard and on-farm biosecurity.