Biosecurity is of critical importance to the grains industry. The control of weeds, pests and diseases already established in Australia is estimated to cost Australian grain growers over $5 billion each year. Growers need confidence that Australia’s biosecurity system can keep pests out and manage threats and incursions.
GrainGrowers has increased its focus on biosecurity in response to an increased concern in the industry around pests and diseases. The following snapshot and associated report highlight the current state of play relevant to Australian grain growers.
Key Updates:
- Implementation plan for National Biosecurity Strategy to be delivered mid-2023
- GrainGrowers calls for sustainable biosecurity funding and the government has acknowledged the industry feedback around this.
- The Decade of Biosecurity (2021-2030) initiative has been working to finalise the final implementation plan, with key projects such as work to support a national biosecurity surveillance program, along with building networks of groups identified.
- GRDC R,D&E plan consultation closed and GrainGrowers supports GRDC's continued efforts in national biosecurity.
- Update on Varroa mite, with the most recent published number of infected premises totalling 137 as of 21 March
What’s on the horizon?
GrainGrowers has been calling for a reset of Australia’s biosecurity system to ensure that it is better positioned to meet modern biosecurity threats and there is secure ongoing funding to maintain the national biosecurity effort. GrainGrowers has sought to engage with the National agencies responsible for biosecurity on pre and at border biosecurity issues, with a focus on increasing attention on the grains industry’s needs and ensuring the system is appropriately resourced and supported.
GrainGrowers will be continuing to prioritise work on biosecurity issues during 2023, particularly as work proceeds on implementation of the National Biosecurity Strategy and the Commonwealth Government considers mechanisms to support sustainable biosecurity funding.
