The Tasmanian Government has announced funding of US$129,000 for a new research project on potato mop-top virus. The program will be delivered in collaboration with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and Industry and aims to provide practical solutions for the management of the disease.
The announcement follows the government's statement two weeks earlier that potato mop-top disease is not eradicable and will remain present in the state.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said the funding would help initiate research to support Tasmania's potato industry, which has a value of US$245 million.
"The investment made by our Government will not only help our farmers and industry understand and manage mop-top, but also has the potential to unlock national research funds, given its significance to all Australian potato growers," Minister Pearce said.
"We know that around the world, countries have learnt to live with mop top. We've looked to our friends across the ditch in New Zealand, who've told us that the key to mop-top management is addressing Powdery Scab. By investing further into Powdery Scab research and management, we are tackling mop-top at its root cause. We are helping Tasmanians deal with the challenges they face with commonsense," Minister Pearce said.
Business Tasmania is available to speak to affected growers about the impacts on their business. Discussions are also underway with Business Tasmania to establish support packages for affected growers.
Source: Tasmanian Country