The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) recently marked 100 years of commercial rice growing in Australia at the 2025 Australian Rice Conference in Leeton, New South Wales. While the centenary celebrated the achievements of pioneering growers, it also underscored the industry’s ongoing commitment to protecting plant health.

In 1924, the first commercial rice crop was planted in the Riverina. Just a year later, the first harvest was sold, laying the foundation for an industry that has thrived through innovation and resilience. Today, sustainability and biosecurity remain central to its continued success.

The centenary also coincides with Plant Health Australia’s (PHA’s) 25th anniversary and 20 years since the ratification of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). The EPPRD is a government–industry partnership that defines how Australia responds to emergency plant pest incursions. It outlines governance, cost-sharing and operational arrangements for eradication responses, and provides financial support to eligible growers through owner reimbursement costs (ORCs).

RGA was one of the first industry bodies to sign the EPPRD in 2005. Since then, the association has participated in 58 emergency plant pest responses, demonstrating a clear commitment to effective, coordinated action in managing pest threats. The EPPRD framework has significantly strengthened Australia’s biosecurity capability, offering transparency, clarity and confidence during critical response efforts.

As the rice industry looks to the future, PHA looks forward to continuing our work with RGA to strengthen national preparedness and protect Australian agriculture from emerging plant pest threats.

To learn more about the rice industry and its role in national biosecurity, visit the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia website.