Key Western Australian grains industry and government stakeholders have come together to consolidate biosecurity efforts to protect the State’s highly valued industry.
The newly formed Grains Biosecurity Advisory Committee met for the first time last week to examine grains biosecurity risks and opportunities.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Biosecurity Executive Director Katherine Clift said the WA grains industry was valued at about $6 billion annually and the State’s biggest agricultural export earner.
“The committee brings together key industry and government stakeholders to examine biosecurity risks and priorities, particularly around the key areas of surveillance for market access and early detection, risk prioritisation and emergency response preparedness,” Dr Clift said.
“Western Australia’s grain industry has strong biosecurity and traceability measures in place.
“It’s vital we continue to exchange information, maintain strong relationships across grains biosecurity stakeholders and build our capability to respond to future challenges.”
Committee members include DPIRD, WAFarmers, Pastoralists and Graziers Association, WA Grains Group, Cooperative Bulk Handling, Grains Industry Association of Western Australia, Grain Growers Ltd, Grain Producers Australia, Bunge Australia, Grains Seed and Hay Industry Funding Scheme Committee and Plant Health Australia.
DPIRD Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer and committee chair Sonya Broughton said a great working partnership between industry and government was critical to protecting and enhancing WA’s solid reputation as a safe grain producer.
“DPIRD aims to increase the WA grain industry’s understanding of national emergency management arrangements, including roles and responsibilities, and in turn hopes to better understand and realise the impact of responses on growers’ enterprises,” Dr Broughton said.
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