National Fruit Fly Council

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  • NFFC and FASTA Symposium image
    NFFC members attending the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) Symposium: John Webster, NFFC independent chair, Dale Williams, Bowen mango grower, Alison McGregor, Australian Table Grape Association, Stuart Burgess, Plant Health Australia, Jessica Lye, Citrus Australia.

“The plan will be accompanied by a current economic analysis that enables the NFFC to develop an informed business case for priority action and investment by industry, jurisdictions, researchers and others that optimises the opportunity to reduce the impact from fruit flies in Australia.” Stuart Burgess, Manager, National Fruit Fly Council

 

The National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) participated in the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) Symposium at the University of Queensland on 17 September 2025. NFFC Chair John Webster presented during the morning session, providing an overview of the Council’s work and strategic direction.

In his presentation, John shared current estimates on the cost of fruit fly control measures and international trade restrictions, which totals $358 million annually (Economic impact assessment for Hort Frontiers HA20000). Over a 10-year period of investment and associated action, these costs account to approximately $3.58 billion across the national horticultural sector. This underscores the importance of developing a coordinated, long-term approach.

The NFFC is leading the establishment of the National Fruit Fly Strategy 2026-35, supported by shorter term action plans that prioritise high-impact activities to provide a foundation for the sector’s long-term growth.

The plan will be accompanied by a current economic analysis to guide future investment and ensure the actions by industry, jurisdictions, researchers and other stakeholders deliver the greatest impact in reducing fruit fly risks nationally.

The broader symposium highlighted significant progress achieved through the eight-year FASTA research program. FASTA lead, Dr Peter Leach, presented an update on achievements from the past 12 months and outlined future priorities in this critical area of fruit fly research and investment. Updates were provided across the program’s six core components:

  1. market access
  2. stress physiology
  3. surveillance and diagnostics
  4. integrated pest management
  5. smart technologies
  6. building capacity.

Further information about the FASTA program is available at Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance | Department of Primary Industries, Queensland.

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