The pipfruit industry has signed up to a Government Industry Agreement - the third to do so following the kiwifruit and pork sectors.
The agreement means the pipfruit industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries will share the cost and decision making in preparing for and managing major pest and disease incursions.
Pipfruit New Zealand's chief executive, Alan Pollard, says the first step will be to put together an operational agreement to cover fruit fly incursions.
He says it is important apple and pear growers are around the table to influence and shape future biosecurity programmes for the sector.