Biosecurity R&D

Investment in science to understand the nature of significant biosecurity threats, and developing tools for their management should they arrive, is a big priority for the kiwifruit industry.

KVH and Zespri established the Kiwifruit Biosecurity Steering Group with the goal of reducing the risk and impact of biosecurity incursions to the kiwifruit industry. The group identifies knowledge gaps and prioritises research needs relating to kiwifruit biosecurity threats that are not yet established in New Zealand.

Associated with the steering group is the 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 steering group prioritises research to meet the following objectives:

• Develop a greater understanding of 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 (MPI) to address these.