New Zealand's citrus orchardists will have more direct involvement in managing biosecurity risks to their industry, now NZ Citrus Growers Inc has signed the Government Industry Agreement Deed for Biosecurity Readiness and Response.

NZCGI has become the ninth signatory to the agreement following a ceremony in Wellington attended by the Minister for Primary Industries - Nathan Guy, NZCGI Chair Richard Curtis, NZCGI Executive Manager - Nikki Johnson, Ministry for Primary Industries Director-General Martyn Dunne, and the GIA Secretariat.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and NZ Citrus Growers Inc Chair Richard Curtis at the signing of the GIA agreement between the industry and government.

'We are pleased to join the GIA partnership which will ultimately help to deliver the best biosecurity outcomes for the New Zealand citrus industry,” says Richard.

'The citrus industry faces a number of serious biosecurity threats that could decimate our industry. From the early discussions around GIA, NZCGI determined that GIA provided an opportunity to work more closely with government to understand the risks, undertake activities to prevent entry, and respond quickly and appropriately if required.

'Signing the GIA Deed will give the citrus industry a much stronger voice and working in partnership with MPI provides the best opportunity to manage our biosecurity risks, thereby maximising our industry potential.”

There are more than 350 citrus growers in New Zealand. Approximately $60 million worth of citrus fruit is produced per annum (36,000 tonnes), and around $6 million is exported to overseas markets. In 2014, New Zealand exported around 812 tonnes of navel oranges, 925 tonnes of Satsuma mandarins, and 1,678 tonnes of lemons to markets around the world.

GIA Secretariat Manager, Steve Rich, welcomes NZCGI to the partnership saying GIA now has a diverse range of industry groups that is already beginning to deliver improved biosecurity readiness and response activities.

'The creation of the GIA partnership to deliver better biosecurity outcomes was a bold and innovative step for primary industries and the New Zealand Government.

'NZCGI joins the growing number of industry groups prepared to take responsibility to manage biosecurity risks within their sector. The existing GIA partners acknowledge this commitment and welcome NZCGI to the GIA partnership.”

Nikki Johnson, Executive manager of NZCGI says she is pleased to see this milestone achieved for the citrus industry.

'Biosecurity is the highest investment priority for NZ citrus growers and largest business risk for our growers. Biosecurity preparedness is key to the survival of the industry.

'This partnership-based approach means there is more certainty that high priority citrus pests can be found and responded to in an appropriate time frame.”

NZ Citrus Growers Inc joins New Zealand Avocado Growers Association, Kiwifruit Vine Health, Pipfruit New Zealand, New Zealand Pork, New Zealand Equine Health Association, Onions New Zealand and the New Zealand Forestry Owners Association, along with MPI representing the government as GIA partners.

NZCGI is the national citrus growers' organisation. It represents New Zealand's commercial citrus industry, including lemon, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, oranges and tangelos. It operates to promote citrus grower interests, and the sustainable growth and profitability of the New Zealand citrus industry.

The GIA for Biosecurity Readiness and Response operates as a partnership between industry and government to manage pests and diseases that could badly affect New Zealand's primary industries, economy, and environment. It aims to improve biosecurity outcomes and give everyone the confidence that the best decisions are being made.