Fruit fly program awarded top gong

Published on 14 June 2022

The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program (GMVFAWMP) has taken out a top accolade at the Hort Connections National Awards for its achievements in reducing the impact of fruit fly on the Australian horticulture industry. 

This Fruit Fly Program is supported by the Victorian State Government along with Moira Shire Council, Greater Shepparton City Council, the councils of Strathbogie, Campaspe and Berrigan, the Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association, Fruit Growers Victoria, Summerfruit Australia, and Lions International. 

Mayor Libro Mustica said the Visy Industry Impact Award presented to the Fruit Fly Program, from a field of 16 outstanding industry candidates from across Australia, acknowledged the significant improvements and strengthening of the region’s protection against fruit fly. 

“The judges determined the program achieved a significant contribution to best practice and costs savings and they believed the program delivered technology and practice techniques that are not in common usage by other similar industries,” Cr Mustica said. 

“More than 3,000 people attend the event in Brisbane this week with the theme Hort Connections 2022 – Growing Together highlighting the importance for every sector of the horticulture industry to come together to build a stronger, more resilient food system to feed local and international consumers. 

“On behalf of Council, I would like to congratulate Program Coordinator Ross Abberfield and Governance Group Chairman Tony Siciliano for their dedication to this program. 

“This award is an outstanding achievement and recognises the important work that has been achieved in protecting Australia’s $12 billion horticultural industry from the devastating impacts of fruit fly.” 

Photo - Program Chair Tony Siciliano and VISY Sales Manager Kym Ziersch.