In early August a very low level of black-grass seed contamination was found in the ryegrass seed harvested from a farm near Ashburton.
Since their last update, Biosecurity New Zealand report that they have:
- Identified areas of interest for surveillance at the affected property (e.g. equipment wash-down site);
- Ensured the ryegrass is to be exported in a secure manner;
- Served a Notice of Direction for the seed offal, safely securing it until directed for destruction; and
- Traced all straw baled at the affected paddock. The route and destination for this straw, which left the property, will be placed under surveillance.
The surveillance will be carried out using methodology already proven to detect black-grass in Canterbury. If black-grass is found during this surveillance, an aggressive management approach will be taken.
No companies or individuals are considered to be at fault for the presence of black-grass in Canterbury, as until June 2007, there were no controls on black-grass entering New Zealand. Since then, if detected in imported seed, that seed has been denied entry.
Similarly, all farmers identified earlier in this response as having black-grass on their properties have been using best practice to manage it. This has enabled both rapid and accurate tracing through excellent record keeping, and the implementation of targeted surveillance. These actions give high confidence any black-grass present will be detected.
As always, keep a lookout for black-grass and if you think you have found it, do not disturb the seed head, but take a photo with your phone and call the Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66 to report your suspected find.