The ABA has been officially notified that the biosecurity response levy (formerly the Emergency Plant Pest Response levy) for almonds will increase on July 1, 2025 to cover the almond industry’s portion of the costs associated with responding to the incursion of Varroa mite.
As of July 1, 2025 the new biosecurity levy will be:
- 0.37 of a cent per kilogram for almonds in their shells; and
- 0.52 of a cent per kilogram for shelled almonds.
These charges will be additional to the Statutory Research and Development Levy and will cover the industry’s share of the national responses to eradicating and managing Varroa mite once it was discovered in Newcastle in 2022.
As a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, the almond industry has cost-sharing obligations to repay the industry’s percentage of the total cost of the Varroa mite response.
The total cost of the Varroa mite response was $100 million.
This cost includes the initial eradication attempt and the Transition to Management plan, which is in place until the end of 2025.
Government will cover 80% of this cost, with industry covering 20%.
The almond industry’s maximum share of the total cost is $5,490,000.
This debt should be repaid within 10 years, but it could occur sooner if sales volumes increase as anticipated.
In October, the ABA contacted growers about this proposed levy increase and outlined how objections could be lodged.
At the same time the ABA wrote to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins requesting the proposed increase to meet the almond industry’s cost-sharing obligation for the Varroa mite response.
The ABA has been actively involved in the sector-wide response for the eradication and management of Varroa mite since it was first detected at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022.
Usually the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry would provide at least 30 days notice for levy changes, however this wasn’t possible because of the Federal election and the limited decision making during the caretaker period.
For further information about the increase in the biosecurity response levy contact ABA CEO Tim Jackson 08 85847053.