As we know now, they were successful. The Psa strain was identified, other kiwifruit varieties were tested and the industry emerged in arguably a stronger position. There was a lot of pain along the way for growers, sure, but that pain was minimised by the great work of scientists like Campbell.
We all know farming relies on exports to make a buck. We also know that trading in animals and plants brings with it the risk of diseases and pests. Obviously, the first line of defence is the border and getting biosecurity and border control right is the first priority. But as Campbell said, it was clear Psa was here to stay so having the scientific nous to deal with it was really important.
He admits that the speed at which the work was needed was confronting for his team, who, like many scientists, tend to work at a considered pace, as accuracy is the key thing. But the Plant and Food team got it done and they got it done quickly. They are deserving winners of this award and their story needs to be told nationwide.
Perhaps they could also share their strategy with colleagues in the ovine health sciences, who we all hope are laying the groundwork to help manage Mycoplasma bovis. Farmers everywhere hope the Ministry for Primary Industries is right and that it can be eradicated. But if it can’t, and we join almost every other dairy-producing nation in the world in living with it, the next best thing will be to have an outcome similar to the kiwifruit industry.
