Updated 18 November 2025

As the response to Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) following detection in Tasmania has developed, AUSVEG has continued to provide regular and consistent updates to growers and industry. A summary of the latest verified, official information is available below. This page will continue to be updated with the latest, official information.

Potato growers and industry representatives from across the country provided their views and perspectives on the approach to managing PMTV during a government-industry meeting held in Melbourne on 18 November.

The meeting, comprising more than 50 potato industry, grower and State and Federal Government biosecurity agency representatives was convened by AUSVEG to bring relevant stakeholders together, and ensure the concerns and needs of potato growers nationally are heard and reflected as the transition to managing PMTV continues following its detection in Tasmania earlier this year.

Alongside spirited debate and technical updates, the meeting recorded strong support for establishing a harmonised national approach to testing, surveillance and monitoring for PMTV. The meeting also endorsed the establishment of a working group – comprising regulators and representatives from across the country and various potato production sectors – to work through the practicalities of that harmonised approach.

There was also strong support for AUSVEG to take forward the establishment of a unified national seed certification system.

As the only organisation representing potato growers that is a formal party to the government-industry partnership of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), AUSVEG’s key priority remains to ensure the concerns of potato growers are heard and that the interests and integrity of the national potato industry is protected and preserved.

AUSVEG will provide further updates on the actions outcomes of this meeting in the days ahead, as the transition to management continues.

Current status

Following the Plant Health Australia National Management Group’s 19 September communique outlining that PMTV is not technically feasible to eradicate, Biosecurity Tasmania has confirmed the winding down of its official response, meaning the virus moves to be managed through the potato production process by industry.

Restrictions and conditions remain in place in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia on the movement of potatoes from Tasmania to those jurisdictions.

Growers are encouraged to know the health status of their seed, prior to planting. If testing of seed 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.

AUSVEG understands the significant concerns of mainland growers regarding PMTV and reluctance to plant seed which arrived prior to the introduction of restrictions.

AUSVEG is the sole organisation representing potato growers that is a formal party to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), and is continuing to advocate strongly for owner reimbursement costs/compensation for growers who have suffered financial losses or incurred costs as a result of the PMTV incursion.

Work is ongoing with the Commonwealth and Plant Health Australia to consider all available options, both under the EPPRD and other avenues, to achieve this outcome, as governance and legal details are worked through.

AUSVEG will continue providing updates as this work progresses and continues to firmly advocate in the interests of Australian potato growers, and the national potato industry during this process.

Transitioning to management

As the transition to management of PMTV progresses, AUSVEG on 18 November convened an industry-government meeting comprising key stakeholders and decision-makers, with invitations extended to all state and federal biosecurity agencies, Chief Plant Health Officers, potato growers and industry representatives.

The intent of this meeting was to ensure the views, concerns and perspectives of potato growers across the country are heard and reflected in the approach to managing PMTV, and that the integrity of Australia’s national potato industry is protected as a key priority.

AUSVEG will provide further updates on the actions outcomes of this meeting in the days ahead, as the transition to management continues.

On 13 November 2025 AUSVEG also hosted a second webinar examining how PMTV has impacted potato growing regions in other countries.

A recording of that webinar featuring Associate Professor and the Neil C. Gudmestad Endowed Chair of Potato Pathology, Julie Pasche from the University of North Dakota is available here

Potato Industry EPPR levy

An Emergency Plant Pest Response levy remains in place in the potato industry, having been activated in 2018 after consultation with potato growers nationally. This was in response to the Tomato potato psyllid, to support affected growers and to meet the industry’s share of the official biosecurity response. Funds raised through the levy – which is managed and administered by Plant Health Australia – were used to pay back the industry’s portion of Government’s larger financial response to TPP.

Last year, following further consultation with potato growers nationally, AUSVEG had the foresight to maintain the EPPR levy in the potato industry on an ongoing basis. This potato EPPR levy and reserve is managed by Plant Health Australia and may be used for further incursion responses for the potato industry.

The potential use of these funds for the purposes of securing owner reimbursement costs/compensation for affected growers forms part of current discussions AUSVEG is involved in with the Commonwealth and Plant Health Australia.

About PMTV

PMTV affects developing potato plants and is transmitted by a common soil-borne plant pathogen found in Tasmania and mainland Australia that causes powdery scab. The virus can reduce potato quality by causing skin distortions, cracking, and discoloration of the flesh, and may impact crop yields in some varieties.

Importantly, there are no human health or food safety risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab. All potatoes remain safe to eat.

The detection of PMTV in Tasmania highlights the importance of implementing and maintaining strong biosecurity practices on farm. A resource detailing simple steps you can take to protect your property, as well as information on key pest and disease pathways is available here. A PMTV fact sheet is also available here

If you suspect the presence of an exotic plant pest, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. You can find out more about how we respond to plant pest and disease incidents at www.outbreak.gov.au.

More information about PMTV is available here:

• PMTV Fact Sheet: Available here
• PMTV Webinar: Watch the PMTV Webinar
• Pest and Disease Preparedness Guide: Available here

Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881