The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is to strengthen the ring of fruit fly protection around the Riverland by introducing a complete ban on fruit and vegetables being brought in by travellers, including fruit purchased from Adelaide shops.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham said the ongoing pressure from fruit fly on the borders of the Riverland and larvae found in interstate fruit sold in shops demanded implementation of tougher protections.
Mr Basham said as of 29 July, travellers could no longer use a receipt to bring fruit and vegetables into the Riverland that had been purchased in South Australian shops, with the aim of keeping the region pest free and protecting the $1.3 billion horticulture industry.
“Larvae detections in interstate fruit purchased at Adelaide supermarkets this year have proven the inspection regimes in eastern States are not robust enough to fully protect the internationally-recognised Riverland Pest Free Area,” Mr Basham said.
He said the law change would affect those entering the Riverland from Adelaide where travellers traditionally brought receipts to demonstrate the produce had been purchased in a South Australian supermarket.
“Random roadblock figures this year show around one in 10 travellers continue to flout the law and bring illegal fruit fly host material into the Riverland,” he said.
“We have no choice but to strengthen the ‘zero tolerance to fruit fly’ policy and impose stricter measures to protect communities, jobs and livelihoods.”
Mr Basham said the Government had also refined the requirements for commercial suppliers bringing fruit and vegetables into the Riverland.
He said fruit fly host material grown interstate must now be treated with specific approved treatments before it could be packed and transported for sale in Riverland shops and supermarkets.
More information about the changes and restrictions can be accessed at this PS News link.
