Safeguarding Australia’s grains industry from exotic pests
By Jim Moran, Victoria Grains Biosecurity Officer
Australia’s robust biosecurity system has been instrumental in keeping some of the world’s most damaging pests and diseases out. Our geographical isolation, combined with strong biosecurity measures, provides essential protection for the country’s grains industry, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. However, increasing trade and global travel add pressure to this system, making ongoing vigilance crucial.
Despite Australia’s stringent pre-border and border controls, exotic pests still pose a threat. Early detection of these pests is vital in preventing outbreaks that could disrupt the grains industry and other agricultural sectors.
Exotic pests and the cost of an incursion
Exotic pests are those not yet present in Australia, and they lack natural predators or registered chemical controls. Their establishment could lead to costly trade and quarantine implications, lost markets, disruption to crop rotations and increased costs for pest management.
Even with measures like irradiation, fumigation, and testing in place, pests can enter Australia through a variety of channels, including international passengers, mail, shipping containers, and even natural pathways such as wind and water currents.
For a list of high priority exotic plant pests, visit the Department of Agriculture’s website or Farm Biosecurity’s grains pests page.
Taking action
Regular monitoring is the first line of defence against pest incursions. Focus on high-risk areas like property borders and roadsides, and keep a close eye on your crops during storage or inspections of equipment, containers, and packages from overseas.
If you spot anything unusual, immediately report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881. Early action can prevent a small problem from becoming an industry-wide issue.
Remember, it is a legal requirement to report suspected exotic pests, as outlined in each state’s biosecurity legislation. Under the Victorian Plant Biosecurity Act 2010, for example, failing to notify authorities can result in penalties of up to $23,710 for individuals and $237,108 for corporations. Similarly, Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 carries a maximum penalty of $161,300 or one year’s imprisonment for failing to report a biosecurity matter.
Grains industry preparedness
To strengthen the grains industry’s preparedness, the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) ensures a structured approach to decision-making and financial arrangements in the event of an incursion.
Industry also has a new Biosecurity Plan for the Grains Industry and a committee to provide growers with key strategies to protect crops from exotic threats.
As a signatory to the EPPRD, the grains industry has no reason to remain silent if something unusual is detected. Rapid reporting ensures the best chance of preventing the further spread of exotic pests and minimising the resultant costs to the industry.
Learn more
Fact sheets, tips, how-to guides, online training and other practical resources are available on the Grains Farm Biosecurity website.
The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program is an initiative to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the grains industry at the farm and industry levels.
Launched in 2007, the program is managed by Plant Health Australia and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia in collaboration with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments.
