KATHERINE watermelon growers will still be able to sell their produce in interstate markets, despite the eradication of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus being ruled out in the Northern Territory less than two weeks ago.
The virus has crippled the Territory’s $63 million watermelon industry but Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister Willem Westra van Holthe provided a glimmer of hope for impacted growers on April 8 by announcing locally-grown cucurbit crops would still be accepted by interstate markets.
CGMMV has the potential to infect all cucurbit crops, including pumpkins, squash and cucumbers.
In total, 16 properties in the Katherine region have tested positive for CGMMV and Mr Westra van Holthe said the announcement was a boost for growers struggling to come to terms with what the disease meant for the local industry.
“I’m pleased that all interstate jurisdictions will continue to allow produce from the Northern Territory to access their markets with a plant health certificate,” he said.
“All NT cucurbit growers who plan to send produce interstate will require a plant health certificate, issued by NT Quarantine, before any produce is transported.
“This means that growers who demonstrate they are virus-free will be able to continue to trade, which is fundamental in maintaining a future for the Territory cucurbit industry.”
The NT government also opened applications for its $1.2m interest rate subsidy scheme, which is available to growers affected by CGMMV.
Mr Westra van Holthe said that, after the Territory moved from eradication to a management phase in the battle against CGMMV on March 26, the scheme would provide “practical relief” to growers facing financial hardship on the back of being slapped with two-year growing bans.
“Our melon industry is worth more than $63 million annually to the NT economy.
“It’s important those growers who are commercially viable in the long term are supported through this tough time.”
The DPIF is currently in the process of contacting all eligible growers to encourage them to apply for the scheme.
