Industry waiting for seed potato mop-top test results

The full extent of how widespread the mop-top virus is around Tasmania remains unknown.

On September 15, representatives from the potato industry and Biosecurity Tasmania had a meeting after all certified spud seed lines had been sent to Adelaide for testing.

The following day, a Department of Natural Resources and Environment spokesperson said the results were still being finalised.

“Once the final results are available, a summary and plan will be shared with the industry.

“It is standard government policy to never specify information - such as testing results - that may identify individuals or businesses during any emergency response.

“This protects the health, safety and well-being of property owners and staff. 

“Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to provide updates via the dedicated potato mop-top virus webpage and other relevant channels.”

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said that another meeting was planned for industry stakeholders once the full data was available.

“There’s a huge amount of testing work going on at the moment, and the group were hoping to be able to review results and decisions at that meeting on September 15,” Mr Calman said.

“But the results weren’t quite ready enough to enable that to occur.”

Mr Calman said he believed the potato industry understood the impact of mop-top.

“What we need to do heading into the planting season is make sure that the ground that’s going to be planted with seed potato is free of the virus and that the seed that is being used is free of the virus.

“That will at least give producers confidence that there isn’t going to be undue risk on them.”

While he said most properties have biosecurity plans, Mr Calman believed it was imperative that they were followed.

“If people aren’t following those plans, they are never going to protect any producers from anything.
“That means that when machinery is entering and leaving properties, it needs to be clean and free of dirt.

“Both producers and contractors have a responsibility to do that because dirt is one of the easiest ways the virus can be spread.”

Tasmanian Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said he had contacted his federal counterpart, Julie Collins, to gauge what support could be available to potato producers.

“I look forward to further discussions with Minister Collins around how the state and federal governments can work together to get the best outcome for our growers,” Mr Pearce said.

“My priority is ensuring our farmers have access to the supports they need so they can get on and do what they do best.

“I want to reiterate that as we continue to navigate these changes, it is vital that we remain alert but not alarmed.”