A vital plan to further build resilience into Australia’s fruit fly management has received a $30 million funding boost from the Morrison-Joyce Government.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the funding will enable rural and regional communities to fight back against the impacts of fruit fly.

Mr Joyce who is also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, said tackling the fruit fly was a win-win for exporters in New England.

“We’ll work together with our state and territory government counterparts to make sure our farmers can get the best out of their crops year in, year out.”

“We are committed to getting the best outcomes for our horticulture growers in New England so they can achieve their export potential and access premium prices for their produce,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“By staying on top of fruit fly we can not only continue to supply our trading partners with quality produce, we can look further afield to new markets as well.

“Fruit fly is a significant pest for our horticultural industries, so we need to tackle the issue from different angles,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Australia produces around $6.5 billion worth of crops that fruit fly would love a piece of, so it’s important that we protect our vital horticulture industries.

“We will deliver more treatment options in strategic regional areas, in particular in northern Australia and near emerging production areas.” 

“Practically, this will mean that growers in New England will have more choices to get their produce to a wider range of export markets.”

 “I’m proud to be part of a government that is supporting Australia’s horticultural farmers to achieve their potential.”