The Tasmanian government has committed $200,000 to a new research program aimed at tackling potato mop-top virus, a threat to the state’s $379 million potato industry.
The 18-month program will be delivered with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and industry partners.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said the investment was “time-critical” to help farmers manage the disease.
“The investment made by our Government will not only help our farmers and industry understand and manage mop-top, but also has the potential to unlock national research funds, given its significance to all Australian potato growers,” he said.
Pearce said international experience showed the virus could be managed, pointing to lessons from New Zealand.
“We know that around the world, countries have learnt to live with mop-top,” he said.
“We’ve looked to our friends across the ditch in New Zealand who’ve told us that the key to mop-top management is addressing Powdery Scab.”
He said the government’s research would focus on the link between Powdery Scab and mop-top.
“By investing further into Powdery Scab research and management, we are tackling mop-top at its root cause,” he said.
Alongside the research program, the state government is providing $500,000 over four years to TasFarmers for a biosecurity project supporting growers.
“The detection of mop-top provides a timely reminder of the importance of practical on-farm biosecurity planning and practices,” Mr Pearce said.
He said the combined efforts of new research, strict biosecurity, and the skill of Tasmanian farmers would protect the industry.
“I have no doubt that through this new research, good biosecurity processes and the expertise of our world-class spud farmers – we will manage this,” he said.
Growers affected by the virus are being urged to contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026.
Discussions are underway to consider establishing support packages for affected growers.
