FOR fruit and vegetable growers in the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV), fruit fly isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a direct threat to yield, market access and profitability. That’s why the success of the GMV Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program is something that the horticultural industry, community and local councils in the GMV region can celebrate.
Through a coordinated, area-wide management approach, the program has delivered measurable results by reducing fruit fly populations on private and public lands throughout the region.
Program Coordinator Ross Abberfield said reduced Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) populations translate to lower pressure at harvest, reduced spray reliance, and stronger biosecurity confidence when accessing domestic and export markets.
“What makes this program different is its practical, boots-on-the-ground focus. Instead of leaving control solely to individual growers, the program coordinates trapping networks, data monitoring, community education, and the removal of unmanaged host trees that act as breeding reservoirs. The result? A genuine area-wide suppression model that works because the community, industry and government are all involved in fighting fruit fly in the GMV,” Mr Abberfield said.
For fruit and vegetable producers, this collaborative approach reduces reinfestation risk from neighbouring properties and townships, one of the biggest frustrations in fruit fly management. When backyard trees, public spaces and commercial orchards are all part of the solution, everyone benefits.
“The program’s “No Flies On Us!” campaign has helped strengthen grower awareness while reinforcing practical on-farm strategies such as timely baiting, hygiene management, and monitoring. Importantly, it demonstrates how industry, community and government alignment protects the long-term viability of one of Australia’s most valuable horticultural regions.
If you’re serious about safeguarding your crop and maintaining market confidence, now is the time to stay engaged. Whether you are a fruit grower, vegetable grower, backyard gardener, local government organisation, state government organisation, land care group, community service club, ethnic group, school, plant nursery, hardware supply or environmental group, you can help stop the spread of fruit fly in the GMV,” Mr Abberfield said.
Learn more about the program’s strategies, data insights and how you can stay involved at https://fruitflycontrol.com.au, or contact Greater Shepparton City Council and request the Regional Coordinator to conduct a workshop for your group or supply you with the knowledge to fight fruit fly in the GMV.
Make sure you are a part of the solution and not part of the problem. Let everyone know that there are NO FLIES ON US!
