Growers challenge blueberry rust policy

ROGER HANSON

GROWERS say the state’s $30 million blueberry industry is at risk from blueberry rust but the State Government has defended its strategy for the disease as based on science.

Tasmania’s 80 registered blueberry growers are urging eradication rather than containment of the fungal disease, but Biosecurity Tasmania says that is not realistic.

The state adopted a policy of eradication after an incursion hit smaller farms in 2014, with plants ripped out and the state declared disease-free.

The whole issue is becoming extremely tiresome Certified organic grower TRISH MACFARLANE

Major grower Costa self-reported blueberry rust on its Nine Mile farm in the NorthWest in August last year, and the policy is now to contain the incursion.

Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the strategy was based on science and managing industry impact.

“The strategy has been further supported by independent plant experts in the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and NSW Department of Primary Industries,” he said.

“I really feel for the growers and appreciate the concerns of all blueberry growers. My focus is on supporting them and positioning our overall industry for continued growth.

“It is important that these decisions are based on sound biosecurity principles, evidence and science without political interference and at arm’s length from the minister.’’

Certified organic grower Trish Macfarlane said growers were not happy eradication was not the course of action.

“Growers provided all the science to Biosecurity Tasmania showing that eradication is feasible,” she said.

“The whole issue is becoming extremely tiresome.”

Biosecurity Tasmania general manager Lloyd Klumpp said the department had listened to growers who asked for a scientific assessment to identify treatments that might eradicate the disease.

“That assessment has confirmed that regulated containment is our most effective strategy. We are committed to continuing to implement that to protect our blueberry industry and enable ongoing market access,” he said.

“We have listened to and totally understand the concerns of growers.”

Mr Klumpp said small grants were available to assist growers in farm hygiene.

Fruit Growers Tasmania business development manager Phil Pyke said he was interested to learn more about the management process and “whether we would have been in a better position to respond with better science”.

The Primary Industry Biosecurity Action Alliance, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association and the Australian Blueberry Growers Association have urged eradication.