Biosecurity is one of the defining challenges of this decade for Australian horticulture, and effective risk management is critical to long‑term viability and growth.  

Whether it's the preparedness for exotic pests and diseases that we don't have in Australia, or the management of our pest diseases and weeds on farms, biosecurity is fundamental to protecting grower’s businesses, markets and reputation.

At this year’s Impact Update, Mila Bristow, GM of Trade and Biosecurity at Hort Innovation was joined by Georgia Beattie from Bulla Park, Anthony De leso from Thorndon Park Produce, and Andrew Johanson from Mulgowie Farming Group to discuss the importance of preparing for incursions and the solutions the vegetable industry is currently exploring.

Watch the full session

Key takeaways

• Preparation is critical in biosecurity responses: Having plans, protocols, and expert networks in place before an incident occurs is essential, as learning during an incident can often make it feel more overwhelming or push decisions to when it is too late.
   
• Speed of diagnosis and transparency accelerates resolution: Knowing where an issue has originated enables faster diagnosis, clearer decision-making and more effective containment. The quicker growers can learn this information the more protected they will be.  
   
• Bringing growers, industry and government together: Collaboration is key to faster, more aligned biosecurity responses and better outcomes for the sector.
   
• Levy investments are focused on reducing diagnosis time and protecting our growers: New investments such as the BiosecurityTrakka are working to reduce diagnosis times to as little as one to three days, which would dramatically improve response effectiveness and limit spread. Other biosecurity investments continue to look at how growers can be supported in risk management in lieu of or during an incursion.  

Biosecurity investment underpins Australia’s reputation for quality and safety, keeping supply chains moving and preventing costly disruptions. By implementing prevention and preparedness essentials together the industry will continue to work toward tackling this large-scale challenge.  

Read more about Impact Update here.