THE importance of on-farm biosecurity for vegetable growers continues to be echoed with the second phase of a collaboration keeping up the momentum.
Plant Health Australia (PHA) and Ausveg jointly run the Ausveg Farm Biosecurity Project which aims to strengthen the vegetable and potato industry's preparedness, response, and management of national biosecurity risks.
As part of the memorandum of understanding between PHA and Ausveg to promote on-farm biosecurity and better outcomes for growers, this is the third iteration of the project.
The project's second phase, funded through the Ausveg-PHA National Vegetable and Potato Biosecurity Levy, kicked off in July 2021, after the successful completion of the first phase.
Phase Two focuses on recognising the importance of urban biosecurity and creating research, development and extension programs for farm biosecurity.
One of the indicators of the program's reach has been that over the 12-month period, the Ausveg Biosecurity and Crop protection webpage has had 84,867 visitors and 89 media mentions, resulting in a total audience reach of more than two million.
Biosecurity officers also delivered 15 face-to-face workshops, visited 72 growers in five states and territories, and attended 22 field days, meetings and other industry events.
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Key biosecurity messages such as information sessions on priority pests, demonstrations on new diagnostic tools and the latest R&D developments were delivered to industry through face-to-face workshops, online webinars, speaking engagements at industry events and visits to growers across Australia.
The project and MOU is scheduled to renew in July 2023.
PHA chief executive officer Sarah Corcoran said the project continues to promote the shared responsibility of all key stakeholders to improve biosecurity resilience and increase on-farm preparedness measures implemented by Australian growers.
According to Ausveg, the project has positively impacted both at macro and micro level by effectively raising industry awareness and understanding of the biosecurity threats affecting vegetables and potatoes, while increasing vital face-to-face connection with growers to discuss on-farm practices, hygiene and concerns.
"The willingness of growers to engage with the biosecurity team demonstrates an increasing recognition of the project and its objectives," Ms Corcoran said.
"Online and in-person programs have enabled the biosecurity team to engage effectively, and they plan to continue investigating new ways to communicate with emerging growers and further building on existing relationships."
Communication has also played a significant role in the project with biosecurity officers using traditional, online and social media to convey key biosecurity messages, priority pest updates and other important, relevant information.
Numerous resources were also developed over the milestone period, including the publication of a Guide to Security for Home and Community Gardens, finalisation of a four-page guide on brown marmorated stink bug, a silver leaf whitefly fact sheet, development of a fact sheet for varroa mite and a draft foot bath guide.
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