Biosecurity New Zealand and Tomatoes New Zealand have reached an agreement on the pathway forward to better prepare for
future biosecurity responses.
Both parties signed a Sector Readiness Operational Agreement today (21 December).
“The agreement demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to strengthen readiness for incursions of specific pests and
pathogens,” says Andrew Spelman, Biosecurity NZ’s Acting Director, Biosecurity Readiness & Response Services.
“This agreement solidifies the organisations’ existing GIA (Government Industry Agreement) partnership that has
developed over the past few years.”
Under the agreement, Biosecurity NZ and TomatoesNZ will jointly agree and fund readiness activities to improve
preparedness for incursions of pests and pathogens that are considered a major concern to the fresh tomato industry.
Biosecurity NZ and TomatoesNZ joined the GIA in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
“We’re all responsible for protecting Aotearoa from pests and pathogens, and this agreement under the GIA aligns with
the wider Ko Tātou This Is Us Biosecurity 2025 programme to improve NZ’s biosecurity system,” says Mr Spelman.
Chair of TomatoesNZ Barry O’Neil says: “This is an important development in the protection of the fresh tomato industry
from biosecurity threats. Our work on readiness will be focused on detecting pests and pathogens rapidly so we will have
a high chance of eradication.”
The agreement will initially focus on preparing for incursions of tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) and the tomato strain
of pepino mosaic virus. This pest and pathogen have been identified as high priority by TomatoesNZ and Biosecurity NZ.
More pests and pathogens will be added over time.
Tomato leafminer and pepino mosaic virus are not currently present in New Zealand.
ends