Disease may ruin blueberry industry: growers

THE state’s 80 blueberry growers say the industry is in crisis and are calling on Biosecurity Tasmania to immediately start eradication of the fungal disease blueberry rust that has been discovered on three North-West properties.

Major grower Tony O’Connell yesterday joined several industry groups in calling on Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff to immediately instruct his department and Biosecurity Tasmania to start the eradication process.

Dixie Emmerton, chair of the Primary Industry Biosecurity Action Alliance, said the industry was in crisis and called for a public inquiry into the government handling of the blueberry rust incursions.

“We’ve had serious concerns in consistency of approach. The minister needs to act for all blueberry growers and protect Tasmania’s brand,” Ms Emmerton said.

Mr O’Connell, who grows blueberries on 6ha in the Huon Valley, said the disease could wipe out the industry.

“Blueberry rust can be easily spread by people, vehicles, animals and strong winds. It has to be eradicated,” he said.

Blueberry rust was discovered last August on a large farm near Sulphur Creek and has now spread to two smaller farms. Blueberry rust poses no threat to human health but reduces crop yields. It’s also a blow to growers because the state’s valuable disease-free status has been suspended after the new outbreak.

Lloyd Klumpp, general manage for Primary Industries’ biosecurity area, said the containment response enabled continued national market access for growers last season.

“I can assure all growers and industry that we are ensuring all measures are in place to contain the disease,” Mr Klumpp said.

But Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Peter Skillern said the sector has little faith in Tasmania’s biosecurity system and supported calls for an inquiry.