South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria place restrictions on Tasmanian potato exports amid growing mop-top virus situation

Mainland states are moving to safeguard their potato crops as detections of potato mop-top virus across Tasmania continue to grow.

South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria have introduced new import rules for unprocessed Tasmanian spuds, to protect mainland crops from the destructive plant disease.

PMTV is a destructive plant pathogen, that while posing no risk to human health, can significantly impact yield for farmers, while distorting the skin and flesh of potatoes. It was first detected in Tasmania in July – the first time the virus had ever been found in Australia – and since then has been confirmed across eight sites across the state, including grower operations, a research facility, and storage locations.

Biosecurity Tasmania has enacted movement restrictions under the Biosecurity Act, prohibiting the transfer of potato material, soil, machinery, and equipment from affected premises.

Tasmania’s Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, has said that these restrictions are not a “blanket ban” but admits the outbreak is serious.

“As new export conditions are rolled out, we will continue to stand side by side with industry as we navigate these changes,” he said.

“We are taking this very seriously and our absolute focus is on supporting Tasmania’s farming communities, ensuring they have what they need so they can get on and do what they do best.”