By Jim Moran, Grains Farm Biosecurity Officer, Victoria
Growers play an essential role in protecting Australia’s agricultural industries against pests and diseases. There are actions you can take every day to minimise the risk of plant pests and diseases entering and establishing on your property.
Preventing these threats is essential to protect your business and maintain market access.
That’s why strong biosecurity is more important than ever. Just like a good recipe, it requires the right steps, tools and timing. The Grain Farm Biosecurity Planner gives growers a clear, practical way to mix these elements and protect their business.
Developed by Grain Producers Australia (GPA), Plant Health Australia (PHA) and the Grains on Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP), the planner is your recipe for a tailored biosecurity plan that works for your farm. It’s simple, logical and designed to fit your operation.
Recipe for success:
Combine these elements into a plan that suits your farm. Review regularly, adjust as needed, and serve with confidence to protect your business and maintain market access.
Farm biosecurity planning is not a one size fits all process, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Every farm is different, with each facing a unique set of challenges and risks and business owners having different levels of tolerance of those risks and ability to address them.
GPA Chair and WA grain producer, Barry Large said, “When it comes to biosecurity, complacency is never an option and there are no short-cuts.
“That’s why GPA takes biosecurity seriously and works with PHA to support our industry with the delivery of practical tools that help strengthen on-farm protections for growers.
“This includes the Farm Biosecurity Planner, which provides an easy to follow guide, with proactive steps and actions to follow, to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
“The Plan provides important resources such as templates for hygienic grain storage and monitoring, and checklists for visitors and vehicles when entering the farm.”
“All growers and farm managers are encouraged to use this Farm Biosecurity Plan and other practical tools provided by PHA to boost biosecurity protections and safeguards for your business.”
Grains Industry Biosecurity Officer, Jim Moran said, “Discuss, develop and own your property’s biosecurity plan to give the best chance of avoiding unwelcome visitors.”
“Take control of who and what comes onto your property and when, where they can access,” Moran continued.
Download the Grain Farm Biosecurity Planner.
For free biosecurity gate signs, contact your state’s Grains Biosecurity Officer.
A good recipe delivers results. Start planning today to protect your farm and keep markets open.
Launched in 2007, the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP) is managed by Plant Health Australia (PHA) and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia (GPA). The GFBP is an initiative to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the grains industry at the farm and industry levels.