Moving to managing Potato Mop Top Virus

The Tasmanian Government has re-affirmed our position to work with Tasmania’s potato growers as we transition to managing Potato Mop Top Virus.

This comes following a meeting of the National Management Group (NMG) on Friday, where it was agreed by consensus that mop top is not eradicable in Tasmania.

Mop Top is present in a number of countries around the world and has not been eradicated anywhere it has previously been found.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said importantly, experience shows that Mop Top can be successfully managed, and the Tasmanian Government will continue to work with industry as we move forward.

“Good biosecurity practices and management of powdery scab are the keys to minimising further spread and impact of Mop Top in Tasmania,” Minister Pearce said.

“Tasmanians must remember to come clean, go clean by removing soil and plant material from machinery, equipment, and boots before leaving one property and entering another.

“Our Government recognises the importance of Tasmania’s potato industry, worth $379 million at the farm gate, and will continue to work with growers and industry as we move forward.

“We are helping Tasmanians deal with the challenges they face, with compassion and commonsense.”

There are no food safety or human health risks associated with the virus, and all potatoes remain safe to consume.

Extensive testing of seed potato lines has been completed ahead of the upcoming planting season, ensuring Tasmania’s potato growers can plant with confidence.