Potato growers cheer border crackdown

NSW Farmers has welcomed the state government's decision to tighten controls to prevent a devastating potato virus from entering NSW. 

Under a new control order issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), potatoes, soil, materials and equipment linked to potato production in infected areas will be banned from entering NSW. 

A highly contagious plant disease, Potato Mop-Top Virus (PMTV), is currently present in Tasmania and can cause significant crop losses in infected potato plants.

NSW Farmers member and Oaklands potato grower Geoff Moar said news of the border closure had come as a huge relief to the state’s potato industry and followed calls from the state’s peak farm body to toughen border controls to address the threat.

“This is a virus that could devastate our industry if it enters NSW, and border controls to confine the virus to Tasmania is the right call to protect potato production here in our state,” Mr Moar said. 

“The virus doesn't just damage potatoes but can persist in soil for many years, creating ongoing production problems for potato growers.

“There’s no second chances when it comes to biosecurity, and clearly, our government has stepped up to the plate to protect our industry, and the fresh and fabulous potatoes we produce.”  

Editor’s note: The full control order can be accessed here. The updated control order prevents all potatoes (seed, ware, and processing), soil used in potato production, used equipment and used coverings from entering NSW from jurisdictions without a PMTV area freedom certificate. 

Date: Friday 28 November 2025
Media Contact: Eliza Fessey | 0427 411 220 | [email protected]