The board of directors of Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc. (KVH), the organization charged with heading the fight against PSA in New Zealand, has named John Burke as general manager of the organization, according to a news release from the KVH.

The KVH was formed earlier this month to organize the industry response to the kiwi vine disease PSA. Burke’s task is to coordinate the organization's efforts with the host of other agencies, companies, associations and growers that are affected by PSA.

“I fully recognize the serious challenges that lay ahead for KVH and am exhilarated about being part of the solution for the New Zealand industry,” Bruke said in the statement.

Burke is a former grower and previously was CEO of Awanui Huka Pak Ltd., before Huka Pak was sold to Seeka Kiwifruit Industries.

PSA was first discovered in the beginning of November, and the industry has been developing a plan to counter the disease since.  As of last week, 113 kiwi orchards have tested positive for the disease.

Photo: Zespri

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com