AUSVEG will meet with Victorian seed potato growers and provide an update on positions and approaches to managing Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) from the national perspective during an industry forum in Bungaree this morning.

With the National Management Group overseeing the official biosecurity response to PMTV under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) coordinated by Plant Health Australia having determined the virus is not technically feasible to eradicate following its detection in Tasmania earlier this year, the national transition to management to industry is underway.

As the peak industry body for Australia’s potato industry, and the sole organisation representing potato growers that is a formal party to the EPPRD, AUSVEG will update the forum – convened by Seed Potatoes Victoria and AuSPICA – on the current status of PMTV and affirm the national approach as the transition to management progresses.

PMTV has only been confirmed as present in Tasmania, with restrictions and conditions remaining in place in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia on the movement of potatoes from the island state to the mainland.

AUSVEG’s strong position remains that a consistent, science and evidence-based approach to the safe movement of seed, ware and processing potatoes is needed nationally to facilitate continuation of trade where possible, while mitigating and managing risks.

That consistency has become increasingly important with Biosecurity Tasmania having now confirmed it is winding down its official response to PMTV, meaning the virus moves to be managed through the potato production process by industry.

To this end, and in addition to attending today’s meeting, AUSVEG will bring key government and potato industry stakeholders and decision-makers together at an 18 November meeting in Melbourne to promote a consistent national approach to the ongoing management of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV).

During the November meeting, invitees including all state and federal biosecurity agencies, chief biosecurity officers, and industry and grower representatives will discuss the safe, and risk-based movement of potatoes, including seed, across the country.

“The detection of Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania earlier this year has presented significant challenges and considerations for potato growers, both in Tasmania and across the country,” said AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote.

“As the national biosecurity focus moves to management of PMTV, AUSVEG is committed to promoting a biosecurity approach that enables business continuity, trade and market access for the seed, ware and processing potato industry through uniform testing, tracing and trade protocols, as part of our ongoing efforts to protect and progress the interests of Australian potato growers.”

While PMTV can affect potato crop yield and quality, it is important to note there are no impacts on human health and potatoes remain safe to eat.

Testing undertaken on Tasmanian seed which arrived on the mainland prior to restrictions being put in place has only resulted in a positive detection in one seed line which remains unplanted and under a biosecurity order. The detection has been verified by Agriculture Victoria. This seed has remained in quarantine, as arrangements are made for safe destruction, in alignment with formal biosecurity protocols. All other Tasmanian seed lines that were imported onto the mainland have not detected the presence of PMTV.

If testing has not detected PMTV – and unless there is a specific biosecurity order on a seed lot or property – the decision to plant remains for individual businesses to make, noting advice from state regulators must be adhered to. Deviating from this position risks undermining national biosecurity testing protocols, which our certification schemes, and export market access are also reliant on.

As the transition to management of the virus continues, AUSVEG, along with the Commonwealth and Plant Health Australia, are working through options for reimbursement and compensation for growers who have experienced financial losses or incurred costs because of jurisdictional biosecurity orders as part of the response to PMTV. Legal details are being worked through, and AUSVEG will communicate these as clarity is achieved. AUSVEG continues to firmly advocate in the interests of Australian potato growers, and the national potato industry during this process.