Psa: Restricted Place Notices to be removed

Restricted Place Notices to be lifted from Psa affected kiwifruit orchards

As of Thursday 2 December 2010, Restricted Place Notices (RPNs) issued by MAF to Psa affected kiwifruit orchards across New Zealand will start to be lifted.

Under a process agreed with MAF, a Psa affected grower will be issued with a General Permissions document and a suite of best practice orchard management guidelines.

These documents outline a grower’s obligations under the New Zealand Biosecurity Act and sets in place instructions that will enable Psa affected growers to transition to full orchard operations whilst minimising the risk of Psa spread.

This action will allow greater flexibility for the movement of equipment and personnel between orchards, including Psa affected orchards.

“This is an important step for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry,” said Mr Peter McBride, Chairman of Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc.

“Lifting the RPNs demonstrates our confidence in growers to work with us to control the spread of Psa and redefine best practice orchard management practices for the future.

“Kiwifruit orchard operations across New Zealand will now be redefined as a result of the presence of Psa. All growers are strongly encouraged to adhere to the newly defined best practice orchard management guidelines and operational processes,” added Mr McBride.

It is important that ALL growers (those affected and not affected by Psa) are fully aware of legal obligations and industry responsibilities when moving between properties according to the General Permissions document and the best practice orchard management guidelines.

To effectively manage kiwifruit operations across New Zealand and ensure a strong and viable industry for the future, a whole of industry approach to best practice orchard management is required.

ENDS

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