The Andrews Labor Government is bolstering fruit growers’ capacity to combat against the Queensland fruit fly (QFF) – delivering grants to ensure Victoria is well protected from the pest.

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney announced the successful recipients from the second round of Victorian Fruit Fly Strategy grants which will help roll out QFF management programs across regional Victoria. QFF is an established pest in Victoria and can quickly spread from home gardens to orchards – through fruit and vegetables.

Regional coordinators from the Goulburn Murray Valley, Greater Sunraysia and Yarra Valley have received grants to train community groups, nurseries and rural supply stores with skills so that they can identify risks and implement control strategies.

The first round of Victorian Fruit Fly Strategy grants helped regional coordinators to engage with the community in key horticultural areas via more than 130 events and enabled the removal of over 3100 high risk trees. The grants are being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s $6.4 million Victorian Fruit Fly Strategy 2021- 2025, designed to help industry and home gardeners transition to managing fruit fly in their communities. Other fruit fly management measures outlined in the strategy including regulation, research and preparedness for exotic fruit fly incursions.

QFF management programs are ensuring Victorian growers are well placed to respond to biosecurity risks, while promoting and building confidence in the sector and the community.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com