By JONATHON HOWARD
SOUTHERN Downs farmers have received a welcome boost this week after the Victorian Government announced changes to its entry conditions for fruit and vegetables.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said fruit and vegetables from Queensland that could potentially carry fruit fly would no longer need certification or treatment before entering Victoria.
“The changes came into effect on Monday (1 July) and they are great news for Queensland growers and marketers,” he said.
“The new conditions apply to all of Victoria except the pest free area of Greater Sunraysia.
“Improving market access for Queensland producers is a key feature of our recently announced Queensland Agriculture Strategy.”
Mr McVeigh said the news couldn’t be better for Queensland growers who will not only benefit from wider market access, but reductions in red-tape and decreases to operating costs.
“Before this change, Queensland growers had to certify all fruit fly host produce entering Victoria was free from the pest. Now there is no requirement to certify produce, or treatment for Queensland fruit fly, for access to Victoria.
“Queensland boasts some of the best fruit and vegetables in the country and I have no doubt that growers will make the most of this change to entry conditions.”
Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) is reminding growers to check their Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) accreditations following changes to Victoria’s entry conditions.
For more information on moving plants and plant products interstate, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or phone 13 25 23.
