On January 5, 2026, Agriculture Victoria introduced a new procedure, Pest Free Production Site for Tomato Potato Psyllid (PS–66), designed to provide an additional option for interstate trading of produce from protected cropping systems. This development follows recent detections of the tomato potato psyllid (TPP), which led to new interstate movement restrictions commencing on December 8, 2025.
Dr. Rosa Crnov, Victoria's Chief Plant Health Officer, stated that the new procedure aims to assist businesses in demonstrating that their properties are free from TPP, thereby maintaining interstate market access. This enables growers to continue trade with Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. Agriculture Victoria has developed 13 procedures for Victorian growers to maintain market access and has issued 326 certificates of accreditation.
Industry collaboration is ongoing to ensure growers comprehend the surveillance, trapping, monitoring, and auditing requirements necessary to comply with interstate biosecurity regulations.
Financial Support for Growers
As part of the Victorian Government's Drought Support Package, fees for plant biosecurity services related to TPP, including application fees, audits, and non-conformance reports, are waived until June 30, 2026.
Understanding Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP)
TPP (Bactericera cockerelli) is a small sapsucking insect that affects solanaceous crops such as tomato, potato, eggplant, capsicum, and chilli. While TPP can transmit the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), which causes 'zebra chip' disease, CLso has not been detected in Victoria or elsewhere in Australia.
Victorian producers and home gardeners are encouraged to monitor their crops for any suspect detections. Reports can be submitted via the Agriculture Victoria website, by email to plant.protection@agriculture.vic.gov.au, or by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.