Biosecurity NZ reaches agreement to protect onion industry

Biosecurity NZ and Onions New Zealand Inc have welcomed plans to prtect future crops of onions. Photo / 123RF

Biosecurity New Zealand and Onions New Zealand Inc have reached an agreement on funding to prepare for future biosecurity responses.

Both parties signed a Sector Readiness Operational Agreement last week.

"The agreement demonstrates commitment to working in a strong partnership to strengthen readiness for incursions of specific pests and diseases," says Andrew Spelman, Biosecurity New Zealand's acting director, biosecurity readiness.

"This is about both organisations pulling up their sleeves to improve biosecurity readiness under the GIA (Government Industry Agreement)."

Under the agreement, Biosecurity NZ and Onions New Zealand will jointly fund readiness activities that will improve preparedness for incursions of pests and diseases that are considered a major concern to the onion industry.

Biosecurity NZ and Onions New Zealand Inc joined the GIA in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
"Signing an operational agreement will solidify the partnership that has formed over the few last years and ensure we are prepared for future biosecurity incursions," says Andrew.

Chief executive officer of Onions New Zealand Michael Ahern says we see this agreement as a sound initial investment in risk management for our industry under GIA.

"There is no doubt that the cornerstone of a good biosecurity strategy is a well-considered Industry/Government readiness work plan."

One of the tasks ahead is to draft a readiness plan for Delia antiqua (onion fly), a pest responsible for up to 90 per cent of crop losses in temperate regions overseas.

This pest is not currently found in New Zealand.