The Australian Government has invested $6.5 million in the Strengthening Australia’s Fruit Fly System Research Program to support our national approach to fruit fly management.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud said the program will help us better understand fruit fly and their management and complement international trade objectives.

“Fruit flies pose a serious threat to Australian horticulture, and some species are capable of infesting a wide range of commercial and native fruits and vegetables costing growers and threatening our exports,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The National Biosecurity Committee has recently approved six projects to address some of the gaps in our understanding of the pests. This research complements other fruit fly research undertaken by industry and other organisations.

“This research program is an effective government partnership, and I would like to thank my agricultural counterparts in making this happen. It will ultimately give growers, landholders and the community a broader range of tools and knowledge to manage fruit flies into the future.”

Further information on the research program and the Smart Fruit Fly Management measure can be obtained by contacting the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.