What was it all about?

To assist in preparation for biosecurity threats, this investment, which ran from 2017 to 2021, reviewed the national biosecurity plan for the cherry industry and developed a biosecurity manual for cherry producers. Both documents are available on the Plant Health Australia website here.

The project team worked closely with industry to review the existing biosecurity plan and manual, undertaking a process of consultation and investigation to help the industry identify its highest-risk threats, based on the potential for entry, establishment, spread and economic impact.

The cherry industry biosecurity plan is a top-level document that identifies reviews exotic pest and disease threats to the cherry industry and provides a strategic framework for industry and government to work together to improve preparedness for and response to these key biosecurity threats.

The industry’s Orchard Biosecurity Manual was reviewed to ensure that cherry growers have access to up-to-date information on high-priority pests and diseases, and on-farm biosecurity activities that can be implemented.

This work was part of the Cherry Industry Market Access Program – a high-priority, combined initiative to increase market access for cherries that will provide management practices and evidential support for market-access negotiations.