Biosecurity award for M. bovis work
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
Ministry for Primary Industries border staff were shocked last week by a passenger arriving in Auckland with two crates of fresh mango – which carry a high risk of hosting Queensland fruit fly.
The fruit fly is one of the biggest risks to our horticultural industry.
The woman passenger from Brisbane declared the fruit, so did not receive any penalty. She thought it was okay to bring mangos into New Zealand after talking with the airline, says operational support coordinator Steve Gay.
"It is common to see a passenger carry one or two fruit items, but two whole crates is really over the top," says Gay.
Gay says the mangos posed a high biosecurity risk to New Zealand. "They're a favourite fruit for Queensland Fruit Fly – a pest that would have a devastating impact on New Zealand horticulture if it became established here.
"The good thing is the woman declared the goods, which shows our biosecurity messages are getting through to international passengers. We'll be talking further with the airline to see if there is any confusion about our biosecurity rules."
The crates contained 28 mangos. They have since been destroyed.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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