AU growers demand better transport hygiene standards
The call follows a state-wide pest quarantine area declaration for the destructive cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, which came into effect yesterday, almost three months after it was first detected in the Northern Territory.
All cucurbit plants, plus associated soil, machinery and tools are now unable to enter the state without an accompanying Plant Health Certificate.
Carl Walker, from the Bowen-Gumlu Growers Association, has welcomed the declaration, but warns some transport companies, major supermarket chains, and even growers themselves are still not taking biosecurity risks seriously.
Horticultural industry group Growcom has also expressed concern about hygiene standards within the transport sector.
Chief advocate Rachael McKenzie says biosecurity needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in the supply chain.
Retail giant Coles has defended its hygiene practices, saying its tray wash sites are independently audited and safety certified.
In a statement, the company says it 'takes agricultural biosecurity very seriously' and was 'responding immediately to investigate the claims'.
Woolworths has also been contacted for a response.
Source: abc.net.au