AUSTRALIA—The New South Wales (NSW) government is taking significant steps to enhance the biosecurity of its grain industry through a new initiative to identify and mitigate exotic threats.
This project, announced on September 16, 2024, is a collaboration between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
The initiative is part of a broader AUD946 million (US$641.4 million) government investment to safeguard primary industries from biosecurity risks.
The AUD13.5 million (US$9.1 million) project will develop early warning systems and molecular diagnostic tools to detect exotic pathogens and pests that could devastate local agriculture.
The research will be conducted primarily at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), with additional efforts at agricultural institutes in Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, and Orange.
“Keeping these pests and diseases out is our priority, but if they do get in then we need to be prepared,” stated Tara Moriarty, NSW Minister for Agriculture.
She emphasized that advanced research capabilities are essential for supporting the state’s grains industry and ensuring food security.
The initiative explicitly targets 16 exotic grain pathogens and 62 pests not currently found in Australia, including wheat blast disease, which has caused crop losses of up to 100% in countries like Bangladesh and Zambia.
Due to global trade and climate change, the risk of these diseases entering Australia has increased, making it crucial for growers to have effective biosecurity measures in place.
The potential economic impact of an incursion is staggering; annual costs related to control measures and trade disruptions are estimated at AUD100.4 million (US$67.9 million) per event.
The National Grains Diagnostics and Surveillance Initiative (NGDSI), valued at AUD42.7 million (US28.9 million), aims to bolster biosecurity across Australia’s grain sector.
GRDC Chair John Woods noted, “Timeliness of detection and response are critical and can be the difference between cost-effective control or the devastation of an industry.”
This initiative will modernize surveillance techniques and improve diagnostic capabilities, allowing for quicker identification of threats near agricultural sites rather than relying solely on centralised laboratories.
As part of this effort, more than 20 biosecurity specialists will be trained across Australia, enhancing the industry’s capacity to respond to emerging threats.
This training will include leveraging global intelligence networks to forecast pest risks effectively. Woods added, “We will use the most sophisticated technology available to forecast the risks and predict the arrival and impact of exotic pests.”
Stakeholders from various sectors have rallied behind this initiative, recognising that biosecurity is a shared responsibility among growers, governments, and industry leaders.
Shona Gawel, CEO of GrainGrowers, highlighted the importance of active participation from all parties: “The Grains Biosecurity Plan identifies the actions required from stakeholders and highlights the collaborative approach required to secure the industry from biosecurity threats.”
This comprehensive strategy aims to protect Australia’s grain growers and ensure the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector amid increasing global challenges.
NSW is positioning itself as a leader in agricultural biosecurity preparedness by investing in advanced research and fostering stakeholder collaboration.
Moriarty concluded, “This key research is essential in supporting the NSW grains industry, assisting grower decisions, and strengthening food security.”
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the WorldHERE.
