The kiwifruit industry, so hard hit by the vine disease Psa-V, is the country's first to sign a partnership agreement with the Government on how to respond to future bio-security incursions.

MPI Director General Martin Dunne, KVH CEO Barry O'Neil, KVH chairman Peter Ombler and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy at the signing of the first government industry agreement on bio-security in Wellington.

Kiwifruit Vine Health Chairman, Peter Ombler says signing the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response Deed deed yesterday marks a significant milestone for both parties; and will ensure more is being done to protect the kiwifruit industry from future biosecurity risks.

'The need for better biosecurity outcomes is a priority for New Zealand kiwifruit growers. Through Psa, we have learnt the hard way about high-risk pests and diseases establishing in New Zealand that can cause significant harm to our industry.

'Signing the GIA Deed commits government and industry to a more proactive and engaged working partnership to help protect our kiwifruit industry.

"GIA will enable signatories to be part of the decision-making process around readiness and response activities for priority pests and diseases.”

Under the agreement, the kiwifruit industry will also share the costs of responding to a bio-security incursion, both in cash and in kind, through the use of personnel and resources.

To help cover those costs, KVH proposes to introduce a biosecurity levy, a plan which was unanimously supported by members who attended a special general meeting on Monday, May 19.

'The responsibility of representing the industry on behalf of growers is one KVH takes very seriously; and we are confident this new partnership is a positive step forward,” says Peter.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says the signing of the first ever GIA deed is a historic moment for biosecurity in New Zealand.

'The Ministry for Primary Industries and Kiwifruit Vine Health have signed a partnership on preparing for priority pests and diseases, and on managing them if an incursion occurs,” he says.

'Having industry and government sitting at the table working together is the way of the future. It allows those with a direct stake in biosecurity to be involved in decision making and funding.

'This will mean better decision making and prioritising resources to where they are most needed, both to prevent incursions and in managing them if one does occur.

'This is the start of the process, with KVH and the kiwifruit industry now developing an operational agreement for a fruit fly readiness and response programme of work.

'Biosecurity is my number one priority as Minister because it is so important in protecting our economy. We know that unwanted pests and diseases can have devastating effects on our farmers and growers.”

Nathan says the signing is the start of a new era and he expects other industries to come on board in time.

'Cabinet agreed to the GIA model late last year and since then the focus has been on progressing deed agreements between MPI and industry.

'Biosecurity is a shared responsibility for all New Zealanders. I'm pleased that industry is keen to step up and contribute their time, expertise, and resources.”