The Australian Walnut Industry Association became a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) on 29 April 2008.
The EPPRD is a formal legally binding agreement between Plant Health Australia, the Australian Government, all State and Territory Governments and plant industry signatories covering the management and funding of responses to Emergency Plant Pest Incidents.
In the event of an Emergency Plant Pest incursion, the Australian Government has agreed to initially pay an Industry Party’s cost sharing obligation where that Party is unable to do so. This is done on the basis that the Industry Party will repay the Australian Government within a reasonable period (generally expected to be no longer than ten years) using a pre-agreed funding mechanism such as the Emergency Plant Pest Response (EPPR) Levy.
AWIA has commenced the process to establish an EPPR Levy and has commissioned Trevor Ranford, from Trevor Ranford Pty Ltd, to undertake:
- Consultation with the broader walnut industry and you the grower,
- A formal vote supporting a resolution to establish an EPPR Levy, and
- A report back to AWIA and then ultimately the Minister for Agriculture.
Trevor Ranford and his staff will consult with the Walnut Industry, Plant Health Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and Levy Revenue Service to develop the business case for the implementation of an EPPR Levy for the walnut industry.
As President of AWIA, and on behalf of the AWIA Executive Committee, I request that you support Trevor Ranford and his staff throughout the consultation process. Your commitment will enhance the Biosecurity of the walnut industry in Australia.
Michael Lang
President, Australian Walnut Industry Association Inc