What is it all about?

This project will evaluate the impact of Hort Innovation’s investment in Industry Biosecurity Plans across 21 horticultural industries. The assessment will examine how well the plans are supporting industry preparedness, coordination and biosecurity decision-making, and whether they continue to provide value to growers and industry stakeholders.  

Developed to help industries prepare for exotic pest and disease threats, Industry Biosecurity Plans identify priority risks, support preparedness planning and help guide biosecurity investment. The evaluation will examine how the plans are being used across the horticulture sector, including their role in improving preparedness, informing future investment, supporting industry-government coordination and increasing biosecurity awareness.

A review of existing plans and supporting documents will be combined with stakeholder consultation across industry, government and delivery partners. Findings will be analysed across all industries to identify strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement, while recognising differences in industry structure, preparedness capability and engagement.

Evidence-based recommendations will be developed to guide future biosecurity investment and planning. The findings will help Hort Innovation and industry stakeholders better understand the value of Industry Biosecurity Plans and identify opportunities to strengthen future biosecurity investment, preparedness activities and industry resilience.