Why South Australia’s fruit fly status is important

South Australia is the only mainland Australian state that is free from fruit fly. This means fruit fly are not established.

Fruit fly free status has significant benefits to our state.

Protects our horticulture businesses and jobs

Keeping our state fruit fly free is vital to the state’s $1.3 billion horticultural industry that is at risk from fruit fly. This sector supports 4,000 horticultural businesses and employs 37,500 people in South Australia.

Production of fruit, vegetables, wine grapes and almonds, particularly in the Riverland and Murraylands, is protected.

Better access to overseas markets to sell our fruit and vegetables

Producers and growers have access to lucrative export markets including Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States worth around $70 million.

Overseas markets value our fruit fly free status as fruit and vegetables require less chemical treatment.

Fruit and vegetables need less chemical treatment

Horticultural industries save millions a year because pre- or post-harvest treatment and gain improved marketability due to product improvement, reduction of production costs, and the reduction of insecticide residue issues

Home gardeners can continue to enjoy home grown fruit and vegetables that are fruit fly free and with reduced pesticides and providing growers the benefit of avoiding the costs of spray treatments.