Industry Progresses National Response to Potato Mop-Top Virus

A national industry working group is progressing a coordinated response to the challenges and restrictions arising from this year’s outbreak of Potato mop-top virus in Tasmania.

The group was established by AUSVEG following an industry–government meeting in Melbourne in November, which brought growers and regulators together to provide input as responsibility for managing the virus shifts from Biosecurity Tasmania to the industry.

The working group includes representatives from the seed, ware and processing potato sectors, along with state governments and market access officials. It has already met twice since its inception and is focused on developing a nationally consistent, science-based approach to potato movement.

Early recommendations made include nationally aligned testing and traceability, risk-based domestic trade, and agreed frameworks for pest-free areas and places of production.

The group will continue meeting into the new year, with AUSVEG to present industry-endorsed recommendations to the Plant Health Committee once consensus is reached.