The program featured at the Hort Connections national awards for excellence in Brisbane on June 8, receiving the Visy Industry Impact Award from a field of 16 industry candidates from across Australia.
Program governance group chairman Tony Siciliano said the award was an outstanding achievement and recognised the important work that had been done in protecting Australia’s $12 billion horticultural industry from the devastating impacts of fruit fly.
“The program’s co-ordinated and highly effective area-wide management approach has resulted in positive outcomes for the region and has become a model of best practice, which is being replicated in other areas,” he said.
Program co-ordinator Ross Abberfield said the award independently assessed and recognised the program for implementing a system of technology and business practice outside the industry norm, as part of the program’s area-wide management of fruit fly.
“The judges determined the program achieved a significant contribution to best practice and cost savings through the value chain,” he said.
“They believe that we have delivered technology and practice that is not in common usage by industry, providing a commercial and competitive advantage, which is something we are extremely proud of.”
The Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Program is supported by the Victorian Government along with Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association, Fruit Growers Victoria, Summerfruit Australia, Lions International and includes the council areas of Moira, Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Campaspe and Berrigan.
The program has a strong and well-established track record of making a difference to fruit fly control and horticultural outputs, also recently winning the Victorian Agriculture Innovation Award, Victorian Achievers Award and Australian Biosecurity Award.
For more information about the program and fruit fly control in the region, visit www.fruitflycontrol.com.au
