Implementing the National Fruit Fly Strategy 2020-25 via a sustainable funding model was the resounding call from the National Fruit Fly Symposium held in May 2021.

The three-day symposium hosted by the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC), Hort Innovation and Plant Health Australia focused on ‘Building future national success’. Discussions centered around critical fruit fly issues and identifying ways to build a more cohesive national framework.

Day 1 featured discussions around fruit fly and trade and how we can grow market share through effective fruit fly management. Research and development, grower responsibilities, funding and investment, and the need for a coordinated national strategy was emphasised.

On Day 2 the key discussion points included international trade, domestic trade, grower and industry experiences, and the focus on research to support trade.

Day 3 discussions focussed on fruit fly production challenges faced by growers, current on-farm management tools, and research and tools to support and protect production. Off-farm challenges in peri-urban and border townships were also on the agenda.

The NFFC will progressively share the outcomes from the three days of the symposium in more detail, including the results of live polls, and Q&A sessions. We commence with an article on fruit fly and market access, highlighting the presentation from the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, at the symposium.