Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative members agree to five-year vision

The plant Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) are:

Together, these organisations make up the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) which is focused on preparedness, diagnostics, surveillance, and sustainable management technologies, targeting key pests and diseases that put plant industries at risk.

The PBRI has renewed a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to maintain biosecurity vigilance for the next five years.

It comes as consultation has opened for the government's controversial biosecurity levy, with farmers having until October 6 to have their say.

A recent independent review said the PBRI initiative had achieved its goals of prioritising and delivering collaborative plant biosecurity RD&E, tackling pests and diseases such as Xylella and fall armyworm.

PBRI program director, Jo Luck, said over the life of the program the RDC's and partners have invested close to $70 million into 22 collaborative projects that have fortified Australia against key threats and enacted fast responses across industries to help limit exposure to these pests.

"The model of the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative works," she said.

"By joining efforts, Australia's plant-focused research and development corporations have been able to manage pests and diseases that present a mutual challenge to our industries in an efficient and effective way."

The PBRI is currently considering which projects to invest in for the future.

"We will deliver impact by inviting more diverse partnerships to ensure we lead world class innovation that keeps Australian plant industries globally competitive," Dr Luck said.

"For example, we will be working together on new concepts for tracing plant biosecurity threats using genomic analysis and improving surveillance technology to strengthen our ability to detect and respond to pest incursions in regional Australia."

MEANWHILE, consultation has opened for the government's controversial biosecurity levy and farmers have been urged to have their say.

From July 2024, farmers will see an increase in fees "set at a rate equivalent to 10 per cent of the 2020-21 industry-led agricultural levies", which is expected to raise about $50 million a year.

The specifics of the levy - such as how it will be collected - are yet to be decided, and the government says the consultation process will inform the levy's final shape.

DAFF biosecurity deputy secretary, Chris Locke, said the levy was to be designed to ensure biosecurity is funded by those who create risk, while those who receive significant benefits make "reasonable contributions".

"The amount producers are being asked to contribute is equivalent to 6 per cent of Commonwealth biosecurity funding in 2024-25," Dr Locke said.

"By comparison, importers will contribute around 48 per cent and the taxpayer will contribute around 44 per cent."

The department pointed to the recently increased cost-recovery fees for importers, but the long-fought-for importer container levy was absent from the government's announcement.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt says the department is investigating a container levy, but there were trade issues - which have not been further explained - to be considered.

Consultations on the biosecurity levy are open until Friday, October 6. For more information visit haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-funding.

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