Information sent to growers about a proposal regarding the future funding of biosecurity readiness and response activities is available on the KVH website, including answers to frequently asked questions about the proposal, and a copy of the presentation being discussed in detail at upcoming grower roadshows.

KVH is accountable for mitigating numerous dangerous biosecurity threats to the kiwifruit industry, such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), fruit flies and Brazilian Wilt. The list of unwanteds that could 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The funding mechanisms of KVH were originally established for Psa and are now out of date based on the serious nature of the biosecurity risks we face and the need to be able to immediately respond in the event of an incursion as part of our commitment to working with government under Government Industry Agreements.

KVH members have already agreed to a biosecurity levy of 1 cent per tray in 2018. But, 1 cent is the maximum rate of the current levy order and it will not be enough to fund the response costs of a serious incursion. The proposal to address this is to increase the ceiling of the levy to 5 cents a tray, so that the KVH Board (in consultation with industry) can activate the full levy to fund future incursions.

Based on the feedback received about the proposed levy change, KVH would then decide as to whether to formally request an increase to the Minister for Biosecurity, or not.

We welcome your feedback on the proposal. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact KVH on 0800 665 825 or by email at [email protected].