Regulations have been gazetted to fine individuals and companies for not adhering to directives related to the movement of materials or crop where the Fall Armyworm has been detected.
Currently an outbreak is being monitored and managed by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji in parts of Nadi.
“The movement of material and equipment within the area without prior authorisation from the Authority is prohibited,” states the gazette notice dated May 29 and authorised by Filimone Vosarogo, the Acting Minister for Agriculture and Waterway.
“Any person who fails to comply with sub regulation (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $40,000 in the case of an individual or $200,000 in the case of a body corporate.”
The gazette order adds a biosecurity officer may destroy any plant, plant product, material or equipment which he or she reasonably believes to be severely infested with Fall Armyworm.
