Updated 3 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.

AUSVEG is hosting a second webinar examining how Potato mop-top virus has impacted potato growing regions in other countries, on Thursday 13 November 2025.

During the webinar, we will be Joined by Associate Professor and the Neil C. Gudmestad Endowed Chair of Potato Pathology, Julie Pasche from the University of North Dakota, who will outline how the virus has impacted potato growing and processing in the USA over time, and how the industry has responded.

The webinar will be held from 9-10am (AEDT), on Thursday 13 November 2025, you can learn more and register here.

AUSVEG has also welcomed the recent decision by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to grant an emergency use permit for Tasmanian growers for the use of fluazinam as an in-furrow treatment targeting powdery scab, which is the vector responsible for transmitting PMTV.

The approval is the result of more than two months of technical discussions between Tasmanian potato businesses, AUSVEG, Biosecurity Tasmania and the APVMA. The permit, which is limited to Tasmanian growers only, has been issued for two years up until 31 October 2027.

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’s strong position remains that a consistent, evidence-based approach to the safe management of the virus is needed nationally to facilitate continuation of trade where possible, while mitigating and managing risks, based on the science.

To this end, AUSVEG is convening an industry-government meeting on 18 November comprising key stakeholders and decision-makers, with invitations extended to all state and federal biosecurity agencies, Chief Plant Health Officers, and industry representatives to discuss the safe, and risk-based movement of potatoes, including seed, across the country.

As this meeting approaches, AUSVEG will continue to provide updates based on the latest, verified official information regarding the PMTV response.

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