Packing shed workshops to help industry tackle fruit fly

Riverina Biosecurity Committee is holding a series of packing shed workshops and evening meetings across the Riverina in August to assist industry with bait spraying and trapping Queensland fruit fly.

Peter Davidson, from the Riverina Biosecurity Committee, said the workshops would help the industry take more ownership of the pest issue.

"We are calling for total support from the growers in the region and good attendance at these workshops would show commitment by growers to taking control of fruit fly in the region," he said.

Three packing shed workshops titled 'How to bait spray and trap on your orchard' will be held at Leeton on Monday
13 August, three at Griffith on Tuesday 14 August, and one at Hillston on Wednesday 15 August.

There will also be evening meetings at Leeton and Griffith for people to learn more about fruit fly control from the experts.

In an effort to engage stakeholders, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) assisted in forming the Riverina Biosecurity Committee in April to oversee fruit fly matters.

The committee includes representatives from all fruit fly affected industries, Citrus Australia and NSW DPI.

The committee has developed a new business case for growers to drive a new fruit fly eradication program in the region and the workshops are part of this plan.

Speakers at the workshops include Dan Papacek, director and entomologist from 'Bugs for Bugs' in Queensland, and NSW DPI's research horticulturalist, Andrew Jessup.

These workshops are free and no RSVP is necessary. Supper and refreshments are being sponsored by Yenda Prods.

Workshop details:

The Leeton packing shed workshops will be held on Monday 13 August from 10am to 11:30am at F & E Naimo Packing Shed, Payten Road Corbie Hill; 12:30pm to 2pm at Pacific Fresh, Yanco Road Leeton; and 3pm to 4:30pm at Twin Palms, Walsh Road Stanbridge. The Leeton evening meeting will be held on Monday 13 August from 6pm to 8pm at the Soldiers Club, Leeton.

Griffith packing shed workshops will be held on Tuesday 14 August from 10am to 11:30am at Joes Citrus, Slopes Road Tharbogang; from 12:30pm to 2pm at Clear Lake Citrus, Scott Road Lake Wyangan; and from 3pm to 4:30pm at Mario's Packhouse, Research Station Road Hanwood. The Griffith evening meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 August from 6pm to 8pm at the South Side Leagues Club, Griffith.

The Hillston packing shed workshop with the opportunity to discuss fruit fly control with the experts will be held on Wednesday 15 August from 10am to 12 noon at Northern Citrus, Lake Cargelligo Road, Hillston.

For further information telephone Peter Davidson on (02) 6955 1258 or 0401 657 969 or email pjdavo@activ8.net.au

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