Notices lifted on infected Kiwifruit orchards

Brown spots surrounded by yellow haloes are a classic sign of PSA. Photo / supplied

Restricted Place Notices issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to Psa affected kiwifruit orchards across New Zealand will start to be lifted from today.

Under a process agreed with MAF, a Psa affected grower will be issued with a General Permissions document and a suite of best practice orchard management guidelines.

The documents outline a grower's obligations under the New Zealand Biosecurity Act and set in place instructions will enable Psa affected growers to return to full orchard operations while minimising the risk of Psa spread.

The action is aimed to allow greater flexibility for the movement of equipment and personnel between orchards, including Psa affected orchards.

The chairman of Kiwifruit Vine Health Peter McBride said the lifting of the notices was an "important step for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry".

"Lifting the RPNs demonstrates our confidence in growers to work with us to control the spread of Psa and redefine best practice orchard management practices for the future," McBride said.

"Kiwifruit orchard operations across New Zealand will now be redefined as a result of the presence of Psa."

All growers are strongly encouraged to adhere to the newly defined best practice orchard management guidelines and operational processes.

McBride said it is important all growers (those affected and not affected by Psa) are fully aware of legal obligations and industry responsibilities when moving between properties according to the General Permissions document and the best practice orchard management guidelines.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE