At the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne industry leaders launched a major new plan to shield the $32 billion grains sector from biosecurity risks. The Australian Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan, created with extensive input from key players, maps out a smart way to handle over 1,300 plant pests and diseases that could hurt the industry.
Plant Health Australia (PHA) made the plan, backed by Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and other industry and government partners. The plan focuses on teamwork to take action before threats like the costly Khapra Beetle can harm the grains industry.
Barry Large, GPA Chair, felt hopeful about the plan's ability to strengthen biosecurity defenses. He said, "This marks a big leap forward in our ongoing work to protect Australian grain farmers and the country's economy from major biosecurity threats."
The plan lays out several actions such as more monitoring, better training programs, and stronger backup plans to ensure readiness and quick response skills. It also suggests expanding the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program, which will play a key role in carrying out the plan's activities.
PHA's National Manager for Preparedness and RD&E, Stuart Kearns, stressed the plan's hands-on approach, "We're doing more than just planning; we're taking action on specific proven strategies to improve our ability to watch for and reduce threats."
The initiative aims to be a flexible tool that will change based on regular checks and updates to tackle new dangers and include the latest research and information. This ability to adapt is key to keeping up with the ever-changing world of biosecurity and to ensure the grains industry can react effectively to new threats.
Industry leaders, including GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart, stressed the need for a united approach to biosecurity to keep the Australian grains sector healthy and profitable. The plan covers all aspects and ensures that everyone—from government to individual growers—works together to protect Australian agriculture.
The Australian Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan has received backing from several governmental and industry groups, setting a standard for hands-on biosecurity management in farming.
