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 Outcomes for Grains:
- The Federal government extended measures at airports to better manage and protect against the threat of foot and mouth disease from Indonesia to 30 June 2023.
- The Federal government announced it would be providing $134.1 million over 4 years from 2022–23 to bolster biosecurity capability in Australia.
- A National Pest action plan has been developed for khapra beetle and actioned against by the Federal Government
- Plant Health Australia has been working to on improve biosecurity preparedness across the grains industry
- GrainGrowers has highlighted the need for appropriate biosecurity funding to protect growers.
- GrainGrowers outlined grower concerns to the Senate Committee Inquiry into Australia’s biosecurity preparedness – and these concerns were acknowledged in the following report.
- GrainGrowers has been engaged in providing feedback on the Decade of Biosecurity (2021-2030) initiative, which aims to actively engage all Australians in building a stronger national biosecurity system.
What’s on the horizon?
Early 2023 is likely to see an uptick on biosecurity policy issues as the National Biosecurity Strategy is implemented and long term funding for biosecurity will continue to be a focus. GrainGrowers will be once again undertaking its Annual Policy Survey in early 2023 and will check in with growers on their views about biosecurity. 2022 has seen significant public debate and scrutiny over Australia’s preparedness for Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease and the response to Varroa mite and GrainGrowers will be asking once more for growers’ views in light of these recent events.
