Weeds are costing growers a whopping $4 billion a year to control
The Australian Government has been prompted to design a new framework for managing weeds, and as a result has appointed natural resource management company Wild Matters with the mammoth task of reducing weed eradications costs. Wild Matters has the daunting task of working with stakeholders to co-design a new framework. Assistant Secretary of the Biosecurity […]
Auditor-General’s report highlights need for urgent action to support biosecurity system
AUSVEG, the peak industry body for Australia’s vegetable growers, has called for urgent action into Australia’s biosecurity system following the findings of an Auditor-General’s report into non-compliance with biosecurity requirements. The report found that the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s (DAWE) arrangements to respond to non-compliance with biosecurity requirements, and its compliance framework, […]
AUSVEG announces Michael Coote as its Chief Executive Officer
Australian vegetable industry body AUSVEG has announced the appointment of Michael Coote as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2021. Michael Coote has been a key member of the AUSVEG Leadership Team, having held the role of AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development since 2014. He has led and transformed the industry’s […]
Agreement opens door to Sri Lanka trade
A new biosecurity agreement between Australia and Sri Lanka will broaden trade opportunities for Australian exporters.
Xylella wine grape threat discussed at annual forum on top plant disease risks
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has hosted the first online forum with industry and federal and state governments to review the progress of the National Xylella Action Plan 2019-2029. Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Andrew Tongue, said it was vital that we maintained momentum in […]
Netting protection funding of $1.5 million for Queensland apple and pear growers
Queensland apple and pear growers will be able to access $1.5 million in grants to purchase protective netting. There has been a significant barrier for many horticulturalists to accessing protective netting, even though it can significantly reduce the impact of weather events and pests. This 1.5 million funding for grants will allow apple and pear […]
Plant microbiome intra-cellular bacteria discovery opens up new area of study
International experts have described for the first time how healthy plants appear to carry bacteria in their cells, opening an avenue of research to improve future plant health and propagation efforts – including food crops such as grains and fruit such as grapes. The Indian and Australian experts have used various high-tech laboratory methods to […]
Minister advises Australia is officially free from citrus canker
Australia has been declared officially free from citrus canker following remaining restricted areas in the Northern Territory (NT) being lifted on 13 April 2021.
Macadamia co-operative expands in Queensland
Aussie macadamia growers working together in a co-operative have announced they are expanding their joint operations in Queensland, creating 40 additional jobs.
Cane growers are lining up for a 29.5 million tonne harvest
Queensland’s sugarcane growers are counting down to the start of 2021 harvest, buoyed by the news that Australia has jumped to second place in the list of raw sugar exporting nations, even with weather reducing the expected crop.