The South Australian government has committed to a national fruit fly management agreement and is calling on other states to follow suit.
SA will contribute more than $1million over four years to the Federal Government’s Intergovernmental Agreement on Fruit Fly Management.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said collaboration with other states would minimise the impact of the pest.
‘‘Fruit fly is an increasing threat to Australia’s horticultural exports,’’ he said.
‘‘South Australia is the only mainland state to maintain a fruit-fly-free status.’’
Mr Whetstone said the investment would enable new research into fly control.
The Federal Government expects to spend an extra $20million on fruit fly control during the next four years.