MAINTAINING TASMANIA’S FREEDOM FROM FRUIT FLY- A STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE 2017-2052

Fruit flies can cause major direct damage to fruit crops. This has led to their high profile in global trade markets. The sensitivity of markets is the primary issue faced by Tasmanian fruit exporters while any threat of crop losses through infestation will remain a secondary concern until there is substantial climate warming in Tasmania.

Tasmanian fruit industries currently enjoy access to premium-price markets on the basis of exporting temperate fruits whose quality is high because of climate and the absence fruit fly meaning no deleterious and costly pest disinfestation treatments such as fumigation are required.

Industries that benefit from the current whole-of-state Area Freedom status for fruit fly pests have asked the Tasmanian Government to develop a long-term strategy to ensure optimal risk mitigation is applied to maintain their access to markets not easily accessed by competitors. This contract is for the delivery of this strategy.