2 December 2010

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has congratulated the kiwifruit industry for moving quickly to set up an organisation for the management strategy to deal with the Psa bacterial disease.

The New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council (IAC) met last night to formally establish an incorporated society to lead the industry management strategy for Psa. The Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated group will be registered within the next few days and operate as a non-profit body.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman John Cronin congratulated the industry or moving so quickly and taking a proactive stance to deal with the threat from Psa.

“The kiwifruit industry is important for the economy of the Bay of Plenty and its quick response to self managing this issue going forward should assist in the continued growth of this sector for the region,” Chairman Cronin said.

“This matter has also demonstrated the strengths of working collaboratively between industry, regional, Central Government, and Local Government and iwi to achieve a good outcome and in a relatively short timeframe.”

While the industry is progressing very well on its management strategy for Psa, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council will continue to lend support where possible to help in the long-term management of this disease. Bay of Plenty Regional Council will continue to coordinate support for Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Group Manager Land Management Warwick Murray said the locals councils had worked well to provide assistance to the lead agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) throughout this matter and would continue to offer and provide support to the new industry organisation to help manage the disease.

“It is important that we continue to gain experience and expertise in this area alongside MAF and the industry in how to manage biosecurity risks and to build awareness in our communities about the possible impacts that these can have on our economic development and environment,” Mr Murray said.

ENDS

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