A kiwifruit grower and rural consultant has been appointed to lead the kiwifruit industry's response to the vine disease, PSA.
John Burke will take up the role of General Manager of Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated, an independent organisation that was established earlier this month to develop a long-term pest management strategy for PSA.
The bacterial infection was first discovered on a Te Puke orchard more than a month ago, and has now been confirmed on more than 110 kiwifruit blocks, in all major growing regions except Northland.
John Burke is an active industry member and former chief executive of kiwifruit packing company Te Awanui Huka Pak.
