Grains Biosecurity Officers (GBOs) are at the forefront of protecting Australia’s $19.1 billion grains industry by helping growers manage biosecurity risks at a farm and industry level.
This valuable work is a core part of the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP), which seeks to enhance the management of and readiness for biosecurity hazards in the grains industry at the farm and industry levels. Working closely with growers and others in the grain supply chain, specialist biosecurity officers operate in each of the five grain growing regions in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia and provide grain growers with the latest biosecurity tools, resources and advice. The GBO’s work with grain growers, and share simple ways in which they can reduce the risks posed by pests, diseases, and weeds on their farms.
According to Stuart Kearns, Plant Health Australia’s National Manager for Preparedness and RD&E, it can be challenging, if not a little daunting for growers to know where to begin.
“That’s a major driver for why we established the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program with Grain Producers Australia and why the Biosecurity Manual for Grain Producers was produced.”
Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and Plant Health Australia (PHA) in partnership with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victorian, and Western Australian governments, are continuing to deliver the program that has been a cornerstone of the industry since 2007.
“It’s not expected that changes will happen overnight. Instead, it’s about starting the process and continuing with it, using a biosecurity self-assessment checklist and clearly explaining your strategy to staff, contractors, family, and visitors to make sure your farm is in the best possible position in the event of an emergency” he said.
Many people believe that biosecurity is just concerned with preventing pests from entering Australia, as depicted on television and shows such as ‘Border Security’, but farmers have the most influence when it comes to keeping out diseases, pests and weeds and this starts at the farm gate.
“Determining potential risks and understanding how to manage them effectively can save time and money for grain growers.”
One such risk is bringing in unwanted weeds via seed or grains. This risk can be significantly decreased by either purchasing certified seed or doing business with reputable suppliers.
A “come clean, go clean” approach is important in reducing the risk of weeds, pests, and diseases being accidentally introduced and spread by visitors such as spraying or harvesting contractors and their vehicles” Mr Kearns said.
A basic wash down (or blow down) area can be used to reduce the risk from spraying or harvesting equipment, and designated parking areas can be easily inspected to help ensure no new weeds are introduced and allowed to spread undetected. Pests, diseases, and weeds can enter a farm and be spread by vehicles and equipment. Maintaining equipment hygiene and ensuring all vehicles that visit a property are clean and kept in good condition free from soil, weeds and pests and disease is important. Other measures can be added over time and integrated into the operation, allowing for a gradual and continuous improvement in farm protection.
An essential element of efficient farm management is biosecurity. Growers are encouraged to begin with addressing the highest risks through practical management measures.
“Growers have invested too much time, money, and effort into their enterprises and into their industry, to not effectively address biosecurity risks,” Mr Kearns said.
The GFBP has launched an online hub of industry specific biosecurity resources and tools. Designed with growers in mind, the easy-to-use Grains Farm Biosecurity website provides fact sheets, videos, how-to guides, online training, and strategies to prepare growers to manage on-farm biosecurity risks.
Visit the Grains Farm Biosecurity website for the latest grains biosecurity news and information via or contact your local Grains Biosecurity Officer for support.