NZ abandons potato push

The horticultural body representing Australian potato growers has welcomed a decision by Potatoes New Zealand not to pursue market access for fresh potatoes into Australia.

AUSVEG lodged objections on behalf of the Australian potato industry to the import of New Zealand fresh potatoes for processing in Australia, citing concerns about the ramifications that a potential incursion of the tomato-potato psyllid — Liberibacter spp complex could have on the domestic industry.

“We are extremely relieved that the New Zealand potato industry has withdrawn its application to export fresh potatoes into Australia,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy.

“The threat of the Tomato-potato psyllid entering Australian potato farms is highly significant, as the pest is not yet present in Australia and it often carries the bacterium that causes Zebra chip disease, which can significantly reduce the yield and health of potato crops and render potatoes unsaleable.”

Originally published here.