Biosecurity Levy to protect dried grape industries

Levy to protect dried grape industry

Dried Fruits Australia continues to work with Plant Health Australia on several plant disease and pest threats which impact dried grapes, along with other horticultural industry sectors.

DFA is immediately notified of any potential incursion as a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).

From the beginning of 2021, the new Dried Grape Biosecurity Levy of $1/ tonne came into effect.

This statutory levy was voted on by growers in 2019 and assists in contributing to timely and effective responses in emergency plant pest situations.

It can also be used for education and training on biosecurity measures for all involved in dried grape production. Australia’s dried grape industry, while estimated to be worth $40 million in farm gate value, is only a small horticultural sector.

A pest or disease outbreak would have serious implications for Australian dried grape production and every producer would be severely affected.

Emergency pest responses involve state and federal governments as well as all the horticultural/agricultural industries that could be impacted by the pest or disease issue.

Costs involved in eradication are then shared between governments and industry bodies.

Unfortunately, the threat of emergency pest and disease outbreaks grows exponentially each year.

This is evidenced by incursions at Australian ports and across growing regions.

Additionally, because we are in an inland temperate zone and an array of horticultural produce is grown and marketed from the region, there is an increased risk of incursions from pests and diseases.

For these reasons, the statutory levy of $1/tonne will be used specifically for biosecurity purposes under the auspice of Plant Health Australia and is collected by the Federal Department of Agriculture.

To date, the levy has raised $11,000. A protocol is in place with Plant Health Australia so that this funding can be used for expenditure incurred by the dried grape industry in relation to emergency plant pest response costs.

If there are any questions on the levy, please contact the DFA office on (03) 5023 5174. v

Below: A late instar of a brown marmorated stick bug with characteristic white bands on the antennae, legs and the outer edge of the abdomen. Image courtesy bugwood.org