President of the Orange Vigneron's Association Justin Byrne has no doubts about the real threat Phylloxera poses to the state's $2 billion wine industry.

Devasting vineyard pest, Phylloxera, is at the centre of a State-wide biosecurity campaign.

Following three years of exhaustive surveying to confirm the tiny pest’s absence in key wine and table grape growing regions, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is now rolling out a comprehensive education program targeting NSW vignerons.

“The spread of Phylloxera in NSW would be a nightmare for the $2 billion industry,” NSW DPI chief plant health officer, Richard Walker, said.

“In an effort to avoid new Phylloxera incursions, the NSW DPI has revised and strengthened its quarantine requirements which include fines up to $11,000 for illegal movement of grape material and vineyard machinery.

“The yellow sap sucking aphids feed on the roots of grapevines, causing massive decline in vine health to the point that vines become unproductive and eventually die.

“Overseas it has wiped out whole vineyards and plunged industries into crisis.

“Phylloxera only exists in two areas of NSW - Corowa and Orchard Hills - and is near impossible to eradicate.

“As a result, there are tough regulations making movement of grape material and vineyard machinery out of these areas into the Phylloxera-free wine regions illegal.

“The NSW Government recently strengthened restrictions and regulations as a safeguard measure for the industry and is now educating the industry on these changes.

“For example, in some cases treatment of plant and rootstock material being moved from one area to another is required and in other cases movement of cuttings, soil and whole grapes from known Phylloxera regions is prohibited.”

Mr Walker said the next step to ensuring vineyards remained free of Phylloxera was to educate the industry and alert grape growers about the efforts the DPI had made to help keep the pest out.

“We have a role to keep the community and the industry aware of their responsibilities,” he said.

“Latest Phylloxera information for NSW is posted on the DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

“During the next three months DPI district horticulturists, entomologists and regulatory inspectors will hold 12 Phylloxera biosecurity workshops across NSW.

“These workshops will provide a basic understanding of Phylloxera biology, behaviour and symptoms, boost awareness of Phylloxera risk and promote new information on Phylloxera regulations.”

Contact NSW DPI for workshop dates and locations.