The South Australian government will cut back fruit fly inspection measures in the Riverland, one of Australia’s prime fruit growing regions, a move growers say put the industry at risk, local news outlet ABC reported.

The controversy stems from a decision to cut the night shift of a fruit fly inspection station on a key highway between South Australia and Victorialand. Government officials cite the decline in fruit fly findings and the need to control costs as reasons for the closure.

However for growers the measure puts at risk their fruit fly free certification and the value of export citrus crops and that a lack of evidence of fruit flies does not mean the area is risk free.

"Just because you don't have any bank robberies, does that mean banks leave the alarms off and the front door open?" said Peter Walker from the SA Citrus Industry Development Board.

Authorities plan to enforce quarantine and inspection measures through random roadblocks and that the inspection point is just one part of a larger plan.

Photo: ABC Riverland

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com