LGA offers support in Zebra Chip disease fight

The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) has lent its support to AUSVEG’s campaign to stop the import of fresh potatoes from New Zealand to prevent the spread of Zebra Chip disease.

Transmitted by a small flying insect known as the Tomato-potato psyllid (TPP), Zebra Chip disease renders affected potatoes unsaleable, due to discolouration and a burnt taste when cooked. This disease has caused significant damage to the New Zealand potato industry, with economic losses estimated to be running in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

“AUSVEG is very pleased to have received support from the LGA on this important issue. As the nation’s largest producer of potatoes, the threat of Zebra Chip disease is not only a major concern for South Australia’s potato growers, but also the state’s local communities,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Simon Coburn.

“LGA’s support of AUSVEG’s Zebra Chip campaign confirms that there is an increasing level of concern about risks associated with the potato disease, at both an industry and local government level.

“With clear opposition from numerous industry bodies, states and the scientific community, AUSVEG has continued to urge the Department of Agriculture to abandon lifting export restrictions on New Zealand potatoes.”

In 2012, the Department of Agriculture released a draft review of its import conditions of fresh potato imports from New Zealand. The Australian potato industry says that lifting current restrictions would pose a significant biosecurity risk.

“There continues to be a very real and legitimate concern right across the country about the impact that Zebra Chip disease would almost certainly have on the industry if it were allowed to enter and spread in Australia,” Coburn said.

“This endorsement from the Local Government Association of South Australia for AUSVEG’s efforts regarding Zebra Chip disease is an important affirmation that this is a serious issue that warrants national attention.”