THE grains sector has endorsed comments from the federal government hinting at plans to beef up biosecurity spending.
Grain Producers Australia (GPA) chairman Barry Large said grain producers were particularly at risk from biosecurity incursions, with exotic pests such as khapra beetle and karnal bunt having the potential to cause billions of dollars of damage if they enter the country.
With this in mind GPA has been a long-term advocate of ramping up biosecurity protection measures.
And Mr Large said comments from new federal agriculture minister Murray Watt regarding biosecurity were heartening.
"We clearly support Minister Watt's commitment to start a new process and properly consult with industry and other stakeholders on sustainable biosecurity funding," Mr Large said.