What was it all about?

The Biosecurity Plan for the Olive Industry was developed under this project. The plan is a top-level document that identifies high-priority endemic and exotic pests, diseases and weeds, along with the risk mitigation activities required to reduce their biosecurity threat and surveillance and diagnostic activities. It provides a strategic framework for industry and government to work together to improve preparedness for and response to these potential threats.

The biosecurity plan includes threat summary tables listing almost 90 exotic plant pests, each of which was rated on four criteria: likelihood of entry, establishment potential, spread potential and economic impact. The rating system allows government and industry to concentrate efforts on keeping the pests that pose the greatest threats out of Australia and orchards. Endemic pests of significance for the olive industry are also listed.

The plan details risk mitigation activities to protect the olive industry, including surveillance for exotic pests; contingency plans to provide better preparedness for the worst threats; fact sheets and diagnostic protocols.

The plan also sets out the general procedures for handling an emergency plant pest incident and lists key organisations and contacts responsible.

The development of the plan involved consultation with all levels of the olive industry as well as government and scientific experts, a group coordinated by Plant Health Australia. It is due for revision in five years.

ACT NOW 

Information on the current Biosecurity Plan for the Olive Industry is available from the Plant Health Australia (PHA) website. You can order a copy of the plan by contacting PHA on 02 6215 7700 or at admin@phau.com.au.