New Pest-Free Production Site Arrangement for Victorian Growers
January 7, 2026
Agriculture Victoria has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to streamline interstate trade for produce from protected cropping systems. The new procedure, Pest Free Production Site for Tomato Potato Psyllid (PS-66), is a significant development in managing the recent detections of tomato potato psyllid (TPP).
Victoria's Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr. Rosa Crnov, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that new interstate movement restrictions came into effect on December 8, 2025, following recent TPP detections. She explained, 'We've developed 13 procedures to empower Victorian growers to maintain market access, and we've issued 326 certificates of accreditation. This approach ensures a swift response to market demands, minimizes delays, and guarantees compliance with interstate movement regulations.'
Dr. Crnov further emphasized the procedure's importance, 'The new Pest Free Production Site procedure will enable businesses to demonstrate property freedom from TPP and maintain interstate market access, especially after recent detections.'
This new procedure offers protected cropping growers an additional accredited pathway to continue trading in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. Dr. Crnov assured the industry, 'We're working closely with industry partners to minimize disruptions and ensure growers fully understand the surveillance, trapping, monitoring, and auditing requirements necessary to meet interstate biosecurity rules.'
As part of the Victorian Government's Drought Support Package, fees for plant biosecurity services related to TPP, including application fees, audits, and nonconformance reports, are waived until June 30, 2026. TPP, a small sapsucking insect affecting solanaceous crops, can transmit the 'zebra chip' disease when infected with the CLso bacterium, though CLso has not been detected in Victoria or Australia.
Victorian producers and home gardeners are encouraged to monitor crops and report any suspect TPP detections. Reports can be made through various channels: the website (www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/reportpestsonline), email (plant.protection@agriculture.vic.gov.au), or by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
For comprehensive information about TPP, visit the dedicated tomato potato psyllid page (https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-insects-and-mites/priority-pest-insects-and-mites/tomato-potato-psyllid).
Media inquiries can be directed to media@deeca.vic.gov.au.
