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EDITION 5 | MAY 2024
Message from the CEO
May has been another bustling month for us at Plant Health Australia (PHA) marked by productive stakeholder engagements, a new project iteration and the completion of a strategic organisational project, which I'll shed more light on in a moment.
The month kicked off with the biannual Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) Symposium in Cairns with Rohan Burgess, PHA’s Surveillance Manager presenting on the important work we do to keep Australia’s forests and plantations free from plant pests and diseases, and a PHA sponsored morning tea in celebration of the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH).
Member meetings
PHA's Member meetings will be held from 30-31 May at the Rydges Sydney in New South Wales, both in-person and online. The notice of the meeting has been sent to all Members. Please ensure you register your attendance through the meeting requests and links provided.
Introducing PHA’s new online platform for plant biosecurity knowledge
We are delighted to announce the launch of PHA’s new website - the go-to source for all things plant biosecurity. The redesigned website has a clean, modern and intuitive design, making it easy for users to navigate and find what they need.
AUSPestCheck® endorsement extended
AUSPestCheck®, an innovative tool designed to collect, analyse and display plant pest surveillance data, developed by PHA, has recently been endorsed by the Plant Health Committee (PHC) for a further 12 months.
PHA showcases digi systems at FutureAg Expo in Melbourne
PHA recently participated in the FutureAg Expo 2024 in Melbourne, connecting with attendees and stakeholders from across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. The event was a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and networking, with PHA showcasing its digital systems, and our CEO Sarah Corcoran joining industry leaders for a biosecurity panel discussion.
Plant health is key to a better future
Plants are the building blocks of life, providing 80 percent of the food we eat and 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe. To raise global awareness and take action to improve plant health, the United Nations (UN) declared 12 May as the International Day of Plant Health. Read more about PHA’s partnership projects that helps to protect our biosecurity system.
Join us for the virtual Annual Diagnostics and Surveillance Workshop (ADSW) 2024
The Plant Surveillance Network Australasia-Pacific (PSNAP) and National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) invite network members to the Virtual Annual Diagnostics and Surveillance Workshop (ADSW) 2024 on Wednesday, 5 June.
Tribute to Matthias Jost
PHA is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr Matthias Jost, Project Officer, Digital Systems. Known for his kindness and humour, he was a cherished colleague and an integral part of the team. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Access to e-learning made easy for biosecurity response staff
Thanks to a secure process connecting PHA and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) online learning platforms, accessing PHA’s e-learning courses has been made easier for biosecurity emergency management staff.
New EPPRD version issued
A new version of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) was issued on Friday 3 May 2024 to include updated contact details for signatories listed in Schedule 2.
Crop disease guides available online
Farmers can now download the 2024 editions of the cereal and pulse disease guides to help make informed decisions around disease management.
Ladybirds trained to eat invasive tomato potato psyllids in bid to protect WA crops
A researcher at Murdoch University has trained two species of ladybird to hunt down and eat the tomato potato psyllid (TPP).
Nominations open for Australian Biosecurity Awards
Nominations are open for the Australian Biosecurity Awards that recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have shown a commitment to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity.
Apply now for 2025 Nuffield scholarships
Apply now to win a scholarship valued at $40,000 for Australian citizens or permanent residents aged between 28-45 years directly involved in food and fibre production.
Fall armyworm infestations in forage oats
QDAF entomologists have recently inspected infestations of fall armyworm (FAW) in forage oats on the Darling Downs. Oats is not a preferred host of FAW.
Nuffield report – Finding harmony through regenerating people, place, and profit
This research investigates the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture (RA) practices across various global contexts.
Building a better, stronger APVMA
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) will remain in Armidale as Government takes decisive action to strengthen the agricultural sector’s chemical regulator.
More funding for agritech events in regional Australia
Round 2 of the AgriFutures Agritech Event Sponsorship Program will fund 22 agricultural innovation and agritech events.
Have your say on regulatory charges for biosecurity and imported food activities
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will embed an annual review cycle and apply indexation to regulatory fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities.
Cotton Australia launches world first data dashboard
Cotton Australia has launched a data dashboard to report Australian cotton data across a range of metrics including production, yield, quality, export markets, farming practices, etc.
Cultivating futures in Farming Mentor Program
Registrations are open for Agriculture Victoria’s first round of its Cultivating Futures in Farming Mentor Program.
An effective solution for giant pine scale is closer
Research is moving closer to identifying an effective solution to the damage to forests caused by giant pine scale (GPS).
Farewell Andrew Bishop
Biosecurity Tasmania recently said farewell to long-standing Chief Plant Protection Officer (CPPO), Andrew Bishop.
New resources for the next gen of Ag workers
A range of new resources will help teachers and advisors encourage young people to consider a career in Australia’s constantly evolving and modern agriculture industry.
Plant Industry Forum highlights concerns with proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy
The Plant Industry Forum (PIF) has made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL).
Industry webinar: Varroa mite at Port of Brisbane
Watch Biosecurity Queensland’s recent industry webinar presented by Rob Stephens about varroa mite surveillance and awareness.
GPA: Grains biosecurity team issues expert advice
Grain producers are reminded to install new farm biosecurity signs – or update their existing signage – to help protect crops from impact of pests and diseases.
Avo Connections 2024: Registrations open
The annual Australian Avocado Industry gathering will be held on Monday 3 June 2024 in Melbourne.
Latest from Prevent Fruit Fly
Understanding fruit fly – how to identify, prevent and control fruit fly
Understanding how to identify, prevent and control fruit fly is an important way to protect Australia’s 16.3 billion horticultural industry, and we all have a role to play – as gardeners, growers, transporters, sellers or consumers.
Latest from Grains Farm Biosecurity
WA GBO encourages growers and rural property owners to install farm gate biosecurity signs
Western Australian Grains Biosecurity Officer Jeff Russell said it was a good time to do an audit of signs, before the growing season commenced. Biosecurity gate signs are a simple but effective tool to manage on-farm biosecurity risks.
Latest from Farm Biosecurity
Nominate the next Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year
The 2024 Australian Biosecurity Award nominations are now open! The Farm Biosecurity Program is excited to sponsor the Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year Award. Join the ranks of Brigid and Owen Price from Price Cattle Company, who won the 2022 award for excellence in farm biosecurity practices. Nominate an individual, group, or organisation that deserves to be recognised for their contributions to Australia’s biosecurity before Monday 10 June 2024.
Out and about
PHA’s Adam Hurrell, National Manager, Digital Systems, Sarah Corcoran CEO, and Shakira Johnson, Biosecurity Coordinator from AUSVEG at the PHA booth at FutureAg Expo in Melbourne.
The PHA team, Matt Hill, Salome Wilson, Dr Bianca Rodrigues Jardim, Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, and Rohan Burgess recently attended the Plant Biosecurity Research Institute’s (PBRI) Symposium held in Cairns.
A celebratory morning tea at the PBRI Symposium in honour of International Day of Plant Health.
In celebration of International Compost Awareness Week from 5–11 May, PHA’s Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, General Manager, Partnerships and Innovation, showed off her home composting system.
We celebrated PHA’s April babies with a morning tea. Happy birthday to Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, Dr Bianca Rodrigues Jardim, Angela Ditton, and Michelle Jones.
