State kicks in $200k for mop-top management research

The Tasmanian Government has announced they will provide $200,000 for a new potato mop management research project.

The program will be delivered in collaboration with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and Industry, and aims to provide practical solutions for the management of potato mop-top virus.

The announcement comes afer the Tasmanian Government two weeks ago confirmed potato mop-top disease to be not eradicable, and here to stay.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said this funding would help initiate time-critical research to support Tasmania's $379 million potato industry.

“The investment made by our Government will not only help our farmers and industry understand and manage mop-top, but also has the potential to unlock national research funds, given its significance to all Australian potato growers,” Minister Pearce said.

“We know that around the world, countries have learnt to live with mop top.

“We’ve looked to our friends across the ditch in New Zealand who’ve told us that the key to mop-top management is addressing Powdery Scab.

“By investing further into Powdery Scab research and management, we are tackling mop-top at its root cause.

“We are helping Tasmanians deal with the challenges they face with commonsense", Minister Pearce said.

Business Tasmania is available to speak to affected growers about impacts to their business on 1800 440 026. Discussions are also underway with Business Tasmania to establish support packages for affected growers.