Plant Health Australia (PHA) has delivered its first workshop as part of a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) funded project to analyse the economic impacts of fruit flies on the Australian horticultural sector.

The project is being delivered in collaboration with the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) and the Centre for International Economics (CIE) and will support the development of the next National Fruit Fly Strategy (NFFS), scheduled for completion in late 2026.

Held on 11-12 June, the one-and-a-half-day workshop brought together 28 representatives from federal and state governments, the horticultural sector and research organisations.

The workshop focused on factors that influence the economic impact of fruit flies, both now and in the future, and identified potential actions to reduce these impacts.

Participants contributed information on the financial costs associated with fruit flies, including crop losses, pest management activities and market access requirements. Discussions also explored the costs of implementing potential solutions and their likely economic benefits.

This information will form part of an economic analysis being undertaken by CIE. The analysis will support evidence-based decision-making and help guide future RD&E investment.

The project also contributes to the development of a new NFFS to guide national priorities and investment over the next decade.

PHA will continue to work with the NFFC, DAFF, CIE, industry partners and researchers to progress the analysis and support the development of a coordinated, evidence‑based national strategy.

A series of regional workshops is planned for July and August 2026 to build on this work. Further details, including how to participate, will be shared with stakeholders as details are confirmed.