Australia assists PNG in fight against coffee berry borer

AUSTRALIA will assist in addressing and mitigating the spread of the coffee berry borer (CBB) in Papua New Guinea, according to a statement from the High Commission in Port Moresby.
“This will allow for an increase in production and export of quality coffee beans,” the statement said.
Coffee is mainly grown by some 300,000 smallholder households in the country, and since 2017, the crop has been decimated by the CBB.
“The Australian Government, through the Australia-PNG economic partnership, has committed to support the PNG Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) in collaboration with other stakeholders within the sector,” the statement said.
“Providing financial and necessary technical assistance in developing and implementing a CBB management plan in major coffee-producing provinces.
“Recognising the CIC’s current effort, strategy, and challenges in managing CBB, Australia’s support will build on CIC’s current work.”
The CBB first appeared in PNG in 2017 and has now spread to all seven major coffee growing provinces.
CBB poses a serious challenge to the survival of the coffee sector, limiting its growth.
If 100 per cent of coffee berries are infested with CBB at harvest time, it can cause yield losses of 30 to 35 per cent.
“Due to the issue’s complexity, multiple stakeholders must work together to prevent the spread,” the statement said.
“Australia’s support will set the path for a coordinated approach to help tackle the CBB problem and safeguard the coffee sector,” the statement added.
“This also includes targeted information, awareness, and education campaigns promoting the use of best practices and technology to reduce infestation and enhance the yield and quality of coffee.
“PNG coffee farmers, producers and exporters stand to benefit from these measures, giving trading partners confidence.”