Certified seed potatoes free of virus

All certified potato seed lines sent to South Australia for testing for the mop-top virus have tested clear.

The 1700 tonnes of product in storage that was previously confirmed as having the virus will be either be destroyed or processed depending on the level of disfigurement.

TasFarmers is reassuring the public that Tasmanian potatoes remain safe to eat and of high quality.

While the discovery was unsettling, TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the scale of the detection is now known to be relatively small, and that the response has been swift and targeted.

“The current situation is that certified seed lines are mop-top free. There is plenty of seed available for the season ahead,” Mr Calman said.

“The message is simple, don’t plant anything that isn’t certified, and take this time to ensure your biosecurity plans are up to date.

“Any seed identified as infected will be destroyed and will not be planted,” Mr Calman said.

TasFarmers is urging producers to revisit and strengthen their biosecurity practices, particularly around the movement of machinery and contractors.

“Farmers need strong protocols in place across operations and should require contractors to clean equipment before arriving and again when leaving their properties,” Mr Calman said.

“This is about protecting the long-term integrity of our seed stock and doing the right thing now to ensure future crops remain healthy and export-ready.”

TasFarmers is working closely with government and industry stakeholders to support producers and is calling for clear consultation with growers on any ongoing management or eradication strategies.

Consumers can remain confident that Tasmanian potatoes are 100 percent safe to eat and remain a trusted, high-quality product.