2979 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

2979 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: What, if any, direct correspondence has there been between Biosecurity NZ and Northland farmers regarding Fall Armyworm, and what, if any, specific measures are being implemented to manage this pest in this region?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: The Fall Armyworm Response was run under the Government Industry Agreement between the Ministry for Primary Industries and representatives from impacted industry parties representing the horticulture sector. I am advised that communications to growers were agreed by the industry parties to the response, including a media campaign and grower-specific communications to promote awareness and encourage reporting. With the response moving into industry-led management, industry parties have continued to coordinate communications with their members. Ongoing industry-led management includes crop scouting, an awareness campaign, testing efficacy of insecticides, and trapping.