Published Thursday, 01 March, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
NEW GROWTH AND NEW FUTURE FOR EMERALD CITRUS – REPLANTING TO START
After almost three years of fighting to rid Queensland from citrus canker, the Emerald citrus industry is preparing to replant orchards.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, today gave growers the green light to replant commercial citrus orchards in Emerald from July 1, 2007.
The announcement follows amendments to the Plant Protection Regulation, which according to the Minister, are the next important step in rebuilding a stable, sustainable and canker-free industry in Queensland.
“Since the disease was first detected in Emerald in June 2004, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and its national cost sharing partners have invested millions of dollars in the National Citrus Canker Eradication Program,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Most recently, the program’s efforts have focussed on maintaining a ‘host-free’ period and undertaking painstaking surveillance and research in the Emerald Pest Quarantine Area to provide the highest level of confidence that the area is free of the disease before replanting commences.
“DPI&F officers have spoken with each of Emerald’s commercial citrus growers, and explained the new regulations.
“Everyone agrees that this is a positive step for Emerald, and for DPI&F’s continued commitment to eradicate citrus canker in Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said surveillance of host plants in the PQA would continue, with stringent inspections of the replanted orchards to be undertaken every 90 days for a further 18 months after replanting.
“If no citrus canker is detected during this period, eradication will be declared in early 2009,” he said.
“After nearly three years of blood, sweat and tears in Emerald, everyone wants to ensure the local citrus industry is free from this disease - which is why the Department is maintaining extensive surveillance activities and tough movement controls on host plants and fruit until eradication is declared.”
Only commercial citrus trees will be allowed to be planted in the PQA next year, with backyard replanting expected to be permitted only after eradication is officially declared.
Media: David Potter 323 96530
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, today gave growers the green light to replant commercial citrus orchards in Emerald from July 1, 2007.
The announcement follows amendments to the Plant Protection Regulation, which according to the Minister, are the next important step in rebuilding a stable, sustainable and canker-free industry in Queensland.
“Since the disease was first detected in Emerald in June 2004, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and its national cost sharing partners have invested millions of dollars in the National Citrus Canker Eradication Program,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Most recently, the program’s efforts have focussed on maintaining a ‘host-free’ period and undertaking painstaking surveillance and research in the Emerald Pest Quarantine Area to provide the highest level of confidence that the area is free of the disease before replanting commences.
“DPI&F officers have spoken with each of Emerald’s commercial citrus growers, and explained the new regulations.
“Everyone agrees that this is a positive step for Emerald, and for DPI&F’s continued commitment to eradicate citrus canker in Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said surveillance of host plants in the PQA would continue, with stringent inspections of the replanted orchards to be undertaken every 90 days for a further 18 months after replanting.
“If no citrus canker is detected during this period, eradication will be declared in early 2009,” he said.
“After nearly three years of blood, sweat and tears in Emerald, everyone wants to ensure the local citrus industry is free from this disease - which is why the Department is maintaining extensive surveillance activities and tough movement controls on host plants and fruit until eradication is declared.”
Only commercial citrus trees will be allowed to be planted in the PQA next year, with backyard replanting expected to be permitted only after eradication is officially declared.
Media: David Potter 323 96530