Restricted Place Notices are to be lifted from Psa affected kiwifruit orchards. The RPNs will be replaced with a general permissions document that allows infected orchards to continue growing crops.

Psa infected orchards are about to have a change of control.

Restricted Place Notices were imposed on infected orchards after the first one was discovered with the disease on November 5.

They are a biosecurity measure that severely restricts traffic on and off affected properties.

The GP documents are a management measure rather than a containment tool.

They come with a suite of best practice orchard management guidelines that outline a grower's obligations under the New Zealand Biosecurity Act and set in place instructions that will enable Psa affected growers to transition to full orchard operations while minimising the risk of Psa spreading. There are now 100 infected orchards around the country.

This action will allow greater flexibility for the movement of equipment and personnel between orchards, including Psa affected orchards.

'This is an important step for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry,” says Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated Chairman Peter McBride.

'Lifting the RPNs demonstrates our confidence in growers to work with us to control the spread of Psa and redefine best practice orchard management practices for the future.

'Kiwifruit orchard operations across New Zealand will now be redefined as a result of the presence of Psa.

'All growers are strongly encouraged to adhere to the newly defined best practice orchard management guidelines and operational processes.”

All growers, including those whose orchards are infected and those whose orchards are not infected are required to be fully aware of legal obligations and industry responsibilities when moving between properties according to the General Permissions document and the best practice orchard management guidelines, says Peter.

A whole of industry approach to best practice orchard management is required to effectively manage kiwifruit operations across New Zealand and ensure a strong and viable industry for the future, says Peter.