The kiwifruit industry in New Zealand has formed a separate organization called, Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc, to lead the efforts against Psa disease affecting farmers in the country.

Kiwifruit Vine Health will co-ordinate management and control of Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (Psa) and also implement a long-term pest management and monitoring plan. The independent origination has been registered as an incorporated society and will operate as a non-profit organization.

The board of director of the organization was appointed by the members of the Industry Advisory Council. Board members come form all key industry groups like Zespri, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc, post-harvest suppliers as well as MAF Biosecurity NZ.

The chair of the new company is Peter McBride while a CEO is expected to be appointed soon.

The Psa-affected kiwifruit orchard owners have also been serviced with a general permissions document which outlines their obligation to minimize the spread of Psa under the New Zealand Biosecurity Act.

The owners earlier had restricted place notices, which imposed restrictions on movement of plant material, equipment and personnel between orchards. As the restrictions are now lifted, the orchard owners will now be able to allow workers to resume full operation on their farms.