NATIONAL BIOSECURITY WEEK: GRAINS BIOSECURITY VIGILANCE VITAL TO PRODUCTIVITY

The daily commitment of Australian grain producers to biosecurity protections and preventions in their everyday businesses, is critical to maintaining and growing the $32 billion industry’s productivity. 

National Biosecurity Week 2025, highlights the vital role strong biosecurity practices play in protecting Australia’s agricultural industries, food security, environment, and the national economy. 

But Grain Producers Australia Chair, Barry Large, said growers take biosecurity seriously, every day of the year, to help protect productivity of their farms, and safeguard the grains industry and environment. 

“Biosecurity is not just an annual campaign; it’s a critical part of the way Australian farmers operate in their businesses every single day of the year,” he said. 

“It’s no different to the way GPA operates, delivering on our vitally important roles and responsibilities and constantly representing every single Australian grain producer, on national biosecurity protections. 

“The steps we take in our individual farming businesses – no matter how big or small they are – and throughout the broader grains supply chain, generates a collective effort which adds up to stronger management of biosecurity, which can prevent pests and diseases shutting down our productivity. 

“This shared responsibility provides a collective effort on biosecurity that’s critical to protecting the livelihoods of Australian growers, industry and the broader community. 

“Vigilance is not just a word used idly – it’s way of life for GPA and Australian grain producers.” 

Mr Large said National Biosecurity Week was also an opportunity to increase awareness and education for growers, industry and the broader community, on the vital importance of biosecurity. 

GPA’s industry responsibilities include representing growers as a signatory to the Emergency Pest Plant Response Deed (EPPRD), and as a member of Plant Health Australia, since 2004. 

GPA represents Australian growers in PHA processes on management committees such as the EPPRD and National Management Group, for biosecurity emergency response activities.   

Mr Large said GPA’s roles ensured growers were well represented with strong voices on decision-making into areas critical to shaping national biosecurity policy and protections. 

He said this representation is empowered by the GPA Biosecurity Committee, comprising grower representatives of state and national representative organisations. 

Initiatives such as National Biosecurity Week were important to highlight the collaborative efforts of government, industry, grower bodies and the general public, on biosecurity protections, he said. 

“Biosecurity is everyone’s business and whether you’re a traveller, a transport operator or simply visiting a farm, it’s simple actions – such as cleaning down your equipment or reporting anything unusual to the right authorities – that help keep the grains industry and environment safe,” he said. 

“National Biosecurity Week is a good opportunity to remind all Australians that protecting our farms and our natural environment starts with the small things that we each do, each and every day. 

“GPA is vigilant on biosecurity and in our roles which ensures we can keep strengthening protections in this critical area of our industry, and that means we’re safeguarding industry’s trade and productivity.”  

GPA’s commitment to biosecurity also extends to supporting the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program, which provides growers with practical tools, information and services to improve on-farm biosecurity management and preparedness – and increased awareness and education.  

This commitment has also seen GPA and PHA coordinate with other industry groups, biosecurity exports and governments to develop the Biosecurity Plan for the Australian Grains Industry 2023-2028 to help prevent, prepare for and respond to biosecurity risks and emergencies.  

GPA Chief Executive, Colin Bettles, said the Plan’s initial delivery and ongoing implementation – led by PHA, GPA and other industry groups – meant the Australian grains industry was demonstrating leadership, with clear actions and commitment delivering shared investments, led by grower levies.  

“We’re talking the talk and walking the walk on delivering stronger biosecurity protections by harnessing collective resources and being proactive, protecting our industry’s profitability and productivity,” he said. 

“Driving this Plan and ensuring activities are funded, with PHA and the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s commitment to essential resourcing, is a good news story for all Australian grain producers, the wider agricultural industry and economy. It’s the continuation of a longer journey, to increase biosecurity capacity and capability, by delivering on shared responsibilities and resources. 

“Pests such as Khapra Beetle are public enemy number one for our industry, with a potential $15 billion plus hit to the economy – and that’s just one of many grains-related biosecurity challenges we face. 

“Without such a Plan, we’re exposed to these risks and therefore our industry’s productivity. Stronger biosecurity means we can better protect the Australian grains supply chain – especially safeguarding grain exports, and our capacity to reliably supply Australian grains to many different markets.” 

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders and biosecurity experts, the Plan identifies more than 1,300 different plant pests and disease threats, across the industry’s 25-different leviable grains crops. 

The Plan also details the specific programs and activities needed to take proactive action and protect the prosperity of growers, industry and the economy, from these biosecurity threats. HERE 

National Biosecurity Week activities across the country are raising awareness and providing practical tools for schools, businesses and individuals. More information is available at www.bioweek.org.au  

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Executive Officer Communications Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193