The Goulburn Valley is the nation’s largest fruit growing area yet it has an obstacle that needs constant attention for it to remain so, the Queensland fruit fly.
In the past week, the State Government has announced the addition of $1.72 million towards the Managing Fruit Fly in Victoria Action Plan 2015-2020. This will enable regional groups to continue the successful implementation of their management programs.
Local Members Suzanna Sheed in the Lower House and the Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell in Upper House have both lobbied with the government to continue funding this important program.
Wendy Lovell said, “With funding for the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project ending on 30 June, there was a genuine fear that the State Government had walked away from this award-winning project which has done so much to protect our precious fruit from this destructive pest.”
Suzanna Sheed said, “Fruit fly threatens the production of over 455,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables susceptible to the pest, over $777 million of annual regional produce which accounts for 44 percent of Victoria’s production.
“The loss of this investment could have had a very harmful effect on one of the most important agricultural sectors in the st ate of Victoria.”
Moira Shire will receive $522,800 that will enable ‘Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project’ to continue their award-winning work protecting the area’s horticultural sector.
Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Governance Group chair, Tony Siciliano said the funding demonstrated the Victorian Government’s commitment to protecting Victoria’s horticultural future.
“The GMV is the largest pear producer in the southern hemisphere, the Murray Valley is the nation’s largest stone fruit producer and the GMV produces nearly half of the nation’s apples, given this positioning pest control is a key aspect to the success of our industry,”
The Victorian Government is working in tandem with growers who spend nearly $4 million annually to manage on farm pests and a further $1 million on levies to advance research and development, along with marketing activities.
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