PHA and GRDC are already partners in the Grains Industry Biosecuirty Plan. Photo: PHA

THE GRAINS Research and Development Corporation and Plant Health Australia have signed a joint $3.5 million Memorandum of Understanding to bolster the Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan 2023-28.

The additional investment will support the implementation of the national biosecurity plan, which was announced in August last year to strengthen biosecurity protections and help safeguard Australia’s $32-billion grains industry.

The extra $3.5M from GRDC adds to the investment Australian growers make to biosecurity through the PHA/Biosecurity Activity Levy which provides around $2M per year, the Exotic Plant Pest Response Levy, yielding around $1M/year, and GRDC investments to address biotic threats totalling $56.8M in 2023-24.

The Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan has been developed to give industry, governments and stakeholders the expert framework and focus needed to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to grains-specific biosecurity incursions.

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders and biosecurity experts, the plan identifies more than 1300 different exotic plant pests and disease threats that could impact the Australian grains industry.

It also details a number of programs and proactive measures required to protect growers, industry and the economy.

GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said the MOU would allow critical measures to the implemented.

“GRDC on behalf of Australian grain growers is investing in this work with our main partners Plant Health Australia,” Mr Hart said.

“We are doing this to support the industry to develop improved biosecurity practices, so we are prepared and proactively guarding against the very real threat exotic pests and diseases pose to agriculture.

“Importantly, this plan has the support of the entire industry.

“We are working together to ensure the systems are in place to allow us to be responsive and act in a timely way, two critical factors that can be the difference between effective control and industry devastation.”

PHA chief executive officer Sarah Corcoran said while grain growers and the broader agricultural sector were the main beneficiaries of a strong and proactive biosecurity plan, benefits extended to governments, industry, researchers and the wider Australian community.

“The grains industry is a vital contributor to both Australia’s national economy and many regional economies,” Ms Corcoran said.

“As biosecurity threats grow more complex in our changing world, it is crucial that we unite our efforts with a shared purpose and clear, measurable outcomes.

“We intend to build on previous initiatives to identify pressing current and emerging exotic pests of greatest concern to the grains industry, with a practical guide outlining key areas for surveillance, education, and mitigation efforts.

“This will enable both industry and government to make informed decisions in response to growing biosecurity challenges facing Australia.”

The biosecurity plan will be reviewed and updated regularly over coming years with a particular focus on three main areas: pest risk scanning; ongoing coordination of preparedness information resources; and reviewing the plan’s progress.

Source: GRDC