The Tasmanian government has confirmed the detection of the potato mop-top virus now at eight sites across the state, prompting new importation conditions from South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.
While the government insists this is not a blanket ban on exports, the discovery has raised concerns among farmers and led to calls for greater biosecurity funding. Both Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce and Primary Industries spokesperson Tabatha Badger MP have released statements, with Pearce focusing on government support for affected farmers and Badger highlighting the broader biosecurity challenges posed by a changing climate.
The government is seeking federal assistance and urging vigilance from the industry, while the Greens are calling for a funding boost to biosecurity agencies to address what they see as a growing threat.
Media release – Gavin Pearce, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, 5 September 2025
Update on potato mop-top virus
The Tasmanian Government is continuing to work hand-in-hand with industry and Biosecurity Tasmania following the detection of potato mop top virus at eight sites in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Government has been advised that South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales have established new conditions on the importation of unprocessed potatoes into their states.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, reinforced that this is not a blanket ban on potato exports.
“As new export conditions are rolled out, we will continue to stand side by side with industry as we navigate these changes,” Pearce said.
“Following yesterday’s detections, I spent the day with industry, growers, contractors, and exporters to keep them updated and listen to their concerns.
“We are taking this very seriously, and our absolute focus is on supporting Tasmania’s farming communities, ensuring they have what they need so they can get on and do what they do best.
“I have written to the Federal Minister for Primary Industries to request an assistance package for affected farmers, and will continue to work with industry and our biosecurity experts on how we can best move forward.
“Many countries around the world, such as New Zealand, have lived with Mop-Top for years now, and they have learnt to live with it.
“Our farmers are the best in nation, dare I say the world, and I am confident we will adapt and continue to prosper.
“As our biosecurity experts continue their work, it’s important that we remain alert, but not alarmed and continue to support our farming community.”
All growers and industry participants are encouraged to remain vigilant for signs of disease, and to report anything unusual as soon as possible to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Media release – Tabatha Badger MP, Primary Industries Spokesperson, 5 September 2025
The detection of another case of Potato Mop-Top Virus is yet more evidence our state is facing increasing biosecurity challenges. As climate change accelerates biosecurity threats in Tasmania, it is vital that the agencies on the frontline are fully funded and properly resourced.
News of another detection of the Potato Mop Top Virus is concerning for many Tasmanians.
Potato Mop Top Virus is unfortunately here to stay. How Tasmania lives with Potato Mop Top Virus in a less predictable climate and shifting weather patterns remains unknown, and it’s no wonder Tasmanians are worried.
Biosecurity Tasmania and Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce should be commended for keeping Tasmanians well informed about the virus spread and the Greens encourage that same level of timely information sharing and transparency to be applied to other biosecurity issues.
Biosecurity agencies in Tasmania already have a huge task to urgently deal with weeds and invasive species – the increase of diseases like the Potato Mop Top Virus,Piscirickettsia salmonis and impending risk of Avian influenza are big challenges. With our climate changing, there’s only going to be an increase in the number and severity of diseases.
Climate change is making our state more vulnerable to pests and diseases which thrive in the altered weather patterns and warming conditions, and that threaten our crops and livelihoods.
Stronger biosecurity measures and urgent action on climate change are essential to safeguard our food supply, to protect our wild places and regional communities.
The Greens call on the Liberals to commit to increasing funding for biosecurity in Tasmania, to safeguard our unique island into the future.
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