Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) Plant Health officers set up random roadblocks around Blanchetown on Thursday and Friday last week.

PIRSA Manager, Compliance and Surveillance, Bruce Baker said a total of 281 vehicles had been inspected over the two days. A total of 22 fines and five cautions were issued.

“We are happy with the response from the public and the general level of awareness was quite high,” Mr Baker said.

“It was still disappointing to have some people disregarding the laws and trying to bring fruit and vegetables into the Riverland region, particularly after the recent well published Mediterranean fly outbreaks we have had in metropolitan Adelaide.”

Fruit and fruiting vegetables cannot be taken into the Riverland area unless purchased within South Australia and accompanied by a valid shop receipt or Plant Health Certificate.

It is also important that Riverland fruit and vegetable growers understand that fruit and vegetables taken to be sold at farmers markets in Adelaide cannot be taken back into the Riverland unless under arrangements approved by PIRSA Biosecurity.

No home grown fruit and fruiting vegetables including tomatoes, capsicums, chillies and eggplants can be taken into the Riverland.

Under the new Plant Health Act 2009, on-the-spot fines of $315 apply for any breaches.

For further information, contact the PIRSA Plant Health Hotline on 1300 666 010.