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EDITION 2026/6
Message from the CEO
Welcome to the June edition of Tendrils. As we move into the second half of the year, I reflect on the activities strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system and provide operational updates including digital systems, EPPRD communications, the Biosecurity Portal and recent industry engagements.
Avocado biosecurity project enters final year
Partners delivering the Avocado Industry Biosecurity Strategy met to review progress and plan final year activities. The project continues to support growers through updated resources, training and biosecurity planning to strengthen preparedness for exotic pest threats.
Strengthening cyber security and digital systems
PHA is progressing an ICT roadmap aligned with the Essential Eight to strengthen cyber security across corporate systems and national platforms, including AUSPestCheck®, APPD and PaDIL. The work supports improved resilience, reliability and protection of critical biosecurity information.
Welcoming AgriFutures Australia to PHA
AgriFutures Australia has joined PHA as an Associate Member, strengthening collaboration across research, development and extension. The partnership supports shared priorities and contributes to coordinated efforts to protect Australia’s plant biosecurity system.
Wine regions strengthen phylloxera preparedness
Wine sector representatives across South Australia participated in regional preparedness exercises to test response arrangements for a potential phylloxera outbreak. Delivered in collaboration with PHA and partners, the roadshow strengthened awareness, coordination and readiness across key wine regions.
Check your EPPRD Contact for Notice details
EPPRD parties are encouraged to ensure that their Contact for Notices details are up to date. Keeping this information up to date supports timely communication during biosecurity incidents and ensures important notices are received and shared internally.
Biosecurity Portal to be decommissioned
The Biosecurity Portal will be decommissioned from 1 July 2026 as part of a transition to modern, supported platforms. Content will be migrated to appropriate systems to ensure continued access while strengthening long term management and cyber security.
Ag production to ease in 2026–27
ABARES forecasts a decline in agricultural production value for 2026–27, driven by drier seasonal conditions, lower crop yields and continued pressure from high input costs.
H5 avian influenza detected in Australia
Western Australia has confirmed Australia’s first detection of H5 avian influenza in a wild seabird, with authorities urging the public to report sick or dead birds.
Adelaide to host agrifood tech event
Adelaide has been named host city for evokeAG 2026, bringing global agrifood leaders together to explore innovation, sustainability and technology shaping the future of agriculture.
Varroa resistance detected in South Australia
PIRSA has detected varroa mites with resistance to key chemical treatments in the Riverland, with beekeepers urged to monitor hives closely and report suspected treatment failures.
Potato industry leadership program launched
A new five year program will support potato growers with training, leadership development and study tours, helping to strengthen the future workforce across Australia’s potato industry.
Darwin to host Agronomy Australia conference
Darwin will host the Agronomy Australia Conference for the first time in 2026, bringing researchers, growers and industry together to explore innovation in northern agriculture and diverse farming systems.
Citrus season launches in South Australia
Citrus season has begun in South Australia, with strong export growth and local demand supporting the industry as growers showcase premium produce and connect with buyers through seasonal launch events.
Macadamia innovation delivers strong returns
New value adding guides are helping the macadamia industry develop innovative products and expand global markets, supporting manufacturers to boost demand and value from Australian grown macadamias.
Biosecurity investment delivers strong returns
ACIAR biosecurity projects in Southeast Asia are delivering strong economic and on farm benefits, improving pest and disease management while strengthening Australia’s preparedness and regional partnerships.
Canola genetics boost future varieties
New national research projects are advancing canola genetics, helping develop high yielding, resilient varieties with improved frost tolerance, acid soil performance and biomass conversion.
Apple and pear scab control measures in focus
Integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) guidance is helping growers manage apple and pear scab, with practical steps to reduce infection risk and improve fruit quality and packout.
Oat rust breakthrough boosts resistance
New genetic discoveries are enabling more durable resistance to oat crown rust, giving breeders advanced tools to better manage disease risk and improve crop productivity in Australian oat systems.
Hort Connections 2026 wraps up successfully
Hort Connections 2026 attracted more than 3,900 delegates to Adelaide, bringing growers, industry and global leaders together to explore key trends, challenges and opportunities across horticulture.
AUSVEG growers: understand your levy investments
Vegetable, onion and fresh potato growers can learn more about how their levies are invested, with dedicated pages explaining funding priorities alongside an overview of how the levy system works.
Phase 2 consultation on horticulture regulations
Tasmania is seeking feedback on revised horticulture safety regulations, proposing a simpler, tiered system to support safe production, reduce costs and maintain market access.
Latest from Prevent Fruit Fly
Workshop informs future fruit fly strategy
A national workshop has brought together government, industry and research stakeholders to support a new economic analysis of fruit fly impacts. Insights from the session will help guide future RD&E investment and development of the next National Fruit Fly Strategy.
Latest from Grains Farm Biosecurity
New industry liaison to support grains biosecurity
Ruth Thompson has been appointed Industry Liaison for Grains Biosecurity, supporting engagement and preparedness across the sector. In this role, she will work with growers, industry and government to strengthen connections and support practical biosecurity initiatives.
Fusarium wilt threatens soybean biosecurity
A new factsheet outlines the risks and signs of Fusarium wilt of soybean, a soil borne disease not present in Australia. Early awareness supports detection and reporting, helping protect soybeans and other vulnerable crops from this exotic biosecurity threat.
Latest from Farm Biosecurity
Records that protect your business
Keeping good records supports early detection, traceability and faster responses to pests and diseases. Simple record keeping practices can help protect production, reduce disruption and support market access during a biosecurity incident.
Out and about
PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, with PHA Board Director Jolyon Burnett and a detector dog at Hort Connections in Adelaide.
PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, with Andrew Maclean, Bureau of Meteorology, at Hort Connections in Adelaide.
PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, with Australian Pollination Strategy Program Manager, Tracie Armstrong, and Fiona Chambers, CEO, Wheen Bee Foundation, at Hort Connections in Adelaide.
PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, with VegNET Regional Development Officer Jessy Logan at Hort Connections in Adelaide.
PHA’s Stuart Kearns, National Manager, Preparedness and RD&E, presented on biosecurity challenges in the Australian grains industry at the National Working Party on Grain Protection (NWPGP).
PHA’s Dr Stephen Quarrell, Manager, Biosecurity Planning, presented to ginger growers at the Ginger Industry Field Day in Palmwoods.
PHA’s Melissa Garland, Coordinator, Learning & Development, and Zoe Nix, Acting Manager, Learning and Development, facilitated the WA Wines Phylloxera Preparedness Response Exercise in Margaret River.
PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, with Values in Action Award winners Jimmy Lu, Shannon Edwards, Carolyn Blomley, Stephen Quarrell and Lorissa McCosh, celebrated at a morning tea.
PHA staff, including Dr Lucy Tran‑Nguyen, Stuart Kearns, Dr Stephen Quarrell and Evie Kielnhofer, joined government and industry participants at the Fruit Fly economic analysis workshop in Canberra earlier this month.
