GPA BRINGS GRAINS INDUSTRY PRORITIES TO NATIONAL BIOSECURITY FORUM

GPA recently attended the two-day National Biosecurity Forum, held at the University of Canberra.

This gathering of industry leaders and representatives, government officials and scientific experts provided an excellent opportunity to discuss biosecurity priorities and taking actions according to the key guiding principle - shared responsibility.

GPA's role is vital given the critical importance of strong biosecurity to safeguarding the $27 billion Australian grains industry - not only the prosperity of the producers who grow the grain but other businesses across the grains supply chain, rural communities, environment and national productivity. That's why GPA takes biosecurity seriously and these responsibilities are in our DNA. HERE

But biosecurity is not the only legislative representative responsibility that GPA holds for all Australian grain producers - this duty also extends to other critical elements of the national grains industry including; grain market access and product integrity and oversight of research and development investments.

GPA's role coordinating industry's response to the recent detection of Khapra beetle HERE is an example of these responsibilities in action, and pivotal role managing risk.

Just as GPA has demonstrated in taking a strong leadership position acting proactively in response to the APVMA's review of certain products such as Paraquat, GPA will continue investing precious resources and policy development and advocacy into managing risks to help protect growers and industry. 

Especially on biosecurity - at forums such as this - given a widespread incursion of Khapra beetle could cost Australia $15.5 billion.

Rather than perpetuating a business as usual approach, it's time to stop making excuses and get serious about managing these risks proactively, and investing valuable resources into strengthening our collective actions on these shared responsibilities.