AUSVEG represents the biosecurity interests of vegetable and potato producers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
Australia’s diverse climate and soils accommodate vegetable cultivation in all states and territories, ensuring a constant supply of fresh vegetables. Australian growers provide the majority of fresh vegetables consumed in Australia, and an increasing amount of fresh vegetables are consumed overseas.
The Australian vegetable industry is committed to building its capacity to respond to potential biosecurity threats. The employment of two full-time biosecurity officers, a tomato potato psyllid national coordinator and a potato pest surveillance officer allows the industry to participate in a range of biosecurity related initiatives.
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the vegetable industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Biosecurity Plan for the Vegetable Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email biosecurity@phau.com.au
The Farm Biosecurity Manual for the Northern Adelaide Plains Vegetable Growers contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm.
Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks. Manuals also contain a self-assessment checklist, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors.
An integral part of the Biosecurity Induction Manual for Bundaberg Horticultural Farms is the 'Induction and farm biosecurity risk checklist'.
More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
The Exotic Pest Identification and Surveillance Guide for Tropical Horticulture was developed with funding from the Australia Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Inspecting crops for signs of new pests is one way growers can protect Australia’s plant industries from exotic pests, as early detection and reporting improves the chances of successfully containing or eradicating new pests. The guide is in two sections:
• Biosecurity and surveillance
• Identification of key exotic pests.
National Potato Industry Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy
The National Potato Industry Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy 2020–25 (NPIBSS) provides a framework for peak potato industry bodies and governments to identify and coordinate national surveillance priorities and activities.
The strategy will support surveillance and ensure the potato industry is informed, resilient, engaged and globally competitive. Improving surveillance will provide valuable information to improve the response to exotic pest incursions, support domestic and international market access, and improve pest management.
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