May 17, 2019
The second version of the Cherry Growers’ Biosecurity Manual was released this month. It provides an up to date guide for growers and their consultants and advisors to improve biosecurity on farm.
A digital version of the manual can be downloaded here and hard copies were sent to growers with the Autumn edition of Cherry magazine. The people behind Cherry magazine also produced a video about the manual featuring PHA’s Rodney Turner and David Gale, and grower Mick Rouget from Koala Cherries.
As well as protecting against pests and diseases already in Australia, farm biosecurity practices can minimise the spread of an exotic pest or disease in the case of the incursion.
The manual includes fact sheets on high priority exotic pests and diseases of the cherry industry that were identified through an update to the Biosecurity Plan for the Cherry Industry (Cherry BP).
PHA worked with Cherry Growers Australia and government representatives from state departments of primary industries and agriculture. Together, these groups identified and prioritised the plant health risks to the cherry industry and assessed current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs.
A total of 175 exotic pests and the biosecurity threat they represent to cherry growers were assessed based on their potential to enter, establish and spread in Australia and the economic impact they could have. A much smaller list of high priority plant pest and disease threats for cherries were determined from the assessment.
The Cherry BP also provides a framework for the implementation of biosecurity risk mitigation measures allowing the industry and government to prioritise and begin implementing the plan through a range of activities.
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the cherry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not for profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
If you would like more information about the Cherry BP or the manual email admin@phau.com.au or phone 02 6215 7700.
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