A new initiative aims to bolster biosecurity for the cherry and summerfruit industries in Australia, as announced by Hort Innovation on March 15, 2024. This five-year project will focus on enhancing on-farm biosecurity practices, improving readiness against exotic plant pests and diseases, and strengthening recovery plans in the event of pest incursions.
The collaboration between cherry and summerfruit growers seeks to provide a dedicated biosecurity resource that will offer practical support directly to producers. Growers will receive guidance on biosecurity best management practices, ensuring they remain informed about regulatory changes, incursion protocols, and access to necessary chemicals.
Strengthening Industry Resilience
The initiative is designed to adapt to evolving interstate trade requirements and elevate integrated pest and disease management techniques. Through this project, growers are expected to increase their awareness of the latest tools for on-farm biosecurity and pest management. Additionally, these efforts aim to demonstrate Australia’s commitment to best practice biosecurity to international trading partners.
Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and this investment ensures cherry and summerfruit growers have the dedicated support they need to protect their crops, respond quickly to threats, and maintain access to key markets. It’s about building resilience and confidence across the supply chain.”
Penny Measham, CEO of Cherry Growers Australia, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to proactively manage biosecurity risks, particularly those with trade significance. She stated, “This is an exciting project where our two industries can proactively manage biosecurity risks together, including those of trade significance, to create a stronger, sustainable future.”
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
The shared biosecurity role is seen as a critical step towards reinforcing the commitment to a resilient future for both the industry and the land. Carrie Starkings, CEO of Summerfruit Australia Limited, noted the significance of the appointment, saying, “This is a proud moment as Summerfruit Australia, along with Cherry Growers Australia, welcomes the shared biosecurity role to the industries. This appointment is more than just filling a role; it’s about reinforcing our commitment to building a resilient future for the industry, the land, and our people.”
Funding for this initiative comes from the cherry and summerfruit research and development levies, alongside contributions from the Australian Government. The project represents a significant investment in protecting Australia’s horticultural industries and ensuring their continued success in a global marketplace.
