Message from the CEO

Every year we work to strengthen the partnerships that deliver a strong and resilient plant biosecurity system, with our strategic plan providing foundational priorities for a response ready, innovative, and integrated national approach.

At the end of November each year we host our Members over two days to facilitate and deliver industry and government engagement on biosecurity priorities. 

PaDIL Future Directions workshop enhances the future of Australia’s diagnostic capabilities

PHA hosted a virtual Pest and Disease Image Library (PaDIL) Future Directions workshop in November, where we mapped out the direction for the online database over the next five years. The workshop focused on three main discussions about the vision, path to success, and prioritisation for the system.

Branching out with forest health surveillance training

An expert training workshop on forest health surveillance was held in Brisbane from 7-8 November 2023 as part of the Forest Watch Australia program. Facilitated by PHA, the workshop was attended by 20 participants from the Australian Government, state and territory governments, the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) and representatives from the forestry industry.

24th Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference and Xylella workshop 

The Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Conference, was held 20 – 24 November in Adelaide, South Australia. PHA was proud to once again partner with the Biennial premier event for the Australasian pathology community. Themed ‘Change and Adaptation’ the event considered both climate change and the loss of agrichemicals for pest and pathogen management.

Special offer: 10% discount for FutureAg Expo 2024

PHA in partnership with Hannover Fairs is proud to present the inaugural FutureAg Expo and Conference 2024 which will be held 17-19 April 2024 at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Conference registrations are now open and PHA members will receive a 10% discount off the registration fee.

Australia’s National Biosecurity Training Hub launched

PHA, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Agriculture Victoria, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and AHA, have partnered to create the National Biosecurity Training Hub - Australia’s first one-stop shop for biosecurity training.

Get set for ILO training in 2024 

A series of Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training workshops are planned for 2024. These face-to-face training sessions will equip attendees with the skills to work alongside the incident management team and provide industry insights during a plant pest response, supporting the agriculture industry.

Woodchat Podcast - Protecting Australia's forests from the threat of exotic pests and diseases

The latest episode of Forest Wood Products Australia’s (FWPA) WoodChat podcast series includes an overview on the Forest Watch Australia program and the recently launched MyPestGuide® Trees app. 

Update to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD)

The 38^th Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) Parties meeting was held 29 November to progress strategic and operational priorities and improve the national biosecurity arrangements carried out under the EPPRD. This included changes to the annual debriefing process and lessons management cycle designed to improve monitoring and review of lessons identified from all debriefs carried out under the EPPRD.

3^rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium registrations now open

Registrations are now open for the 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium, a flagship event of the Biosecurity Collective, intended to influence the direction of Australia’s biosecurity system towards 2030.

NFFC releases new guide on Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a pest control method in which large numbers of a target pest insect species are grown, sterilised, and released into an area. 

The National Fruit Fly Council SIT guide provides more detailed information on SIT, including some of the benefits and challenges it faces, as well as opportunities for the future.

Make on-farm biosecurity work for you

As we approach the end of winter harvest season, it is the ideal time to review or draft your farm biosecurity plan to protect your business from the impact of new and harmful pests and diseases. There is a common misconception that implementing on-farm biosecurity is complicated and expensive – it does not have to be, it should just suit your purposes.

Surveillance – an essential component of grains biosecurity

Biosecurity surveillance is an essential component of the Australian grains biosecurity system. It prevents the entry, establishment, and spread of new grain pests which is vital in supporting the international competitiveness and ultimate profitability of the grains industry. The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP) has some helpful tips to assist you with your on-farm surveillance.

Behind the scenes of our farm life and biosecurity practices project

As part of the Farm Biosecurity Program, an initiative led by PHA and AHA, the team visited the Gundamain Pastoral Co. in Eugowra NSW, to get footage of the daily lives of the Herbert family and their commitment to strong biosecurity practices.