By Simon Shepherd
A group of kiwifruit growers affected by the PSA virus has called for a commission of inquiry into how the disease got into the country.
More than a year after PSA was first discovered, the billion dollar industry is still formulating its recovery plan, and some growers are frustrated.
Thirty-one percent of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards are now affected with PSA, and growers are getting angry.
“It is a matter of extreme national importance that New Zealand’s bio security be reactive to disease outbreaks that threaten primary producers,” says grower, Rob Thode.
Mr Thode organised a meeting in Te Puke to give growers a chance to have their say.
“It doesn’t seem from where I am sitting that the Government is taking this as seriously as it should be,” says one grower.
Growers also spoke out about industry marketing body, Zespri.
“If we leave these plonkers to run it how they have been for the next few years, I will be out of business,” says one grower.
Others at the meeting, however, supported how the industry groups are reacting to PSA, and Zespri also took the opportunity to defend itself.
“I believe we are developing a recover path and I believe the manner in which we will develop that will be fully canvassed with growers,” says a Zespri director.
“We are meeting with the banks and we are working with the Government for a recovery plan,” says Neil Trebilco of Kiwifruit growers Incorporated.
The meeting voted overwhelmingly for a commission of inquiry into how PSA got into the country - although it was noted some growers voted twice.
Despite the meeting, Agriculture Minister David Carters has rejected a commission of inquiry, saying that MAF has already tried unsuccessfully to trace the source.
The next step is up to Zespri, and it is expected to announce next week whether a PSA resistant variety of fruit has been found.
3 News