Biosecurity New biosecurity guide

New biosecurity guide

Plant Health Australia has released its updated guide to biosecurity for the table, dried and wine grape industries.

The Vineyard Biosecurity Manual outlines simple principles and procedures that can be used to minimise the risk of introducing and spreading exotic and established pests and diseases throughout vineyards.

It is designed for everyone involved in the viticultural production chain, including vineyard owners, managers, staff, contractors, researchers and consultants.

The manual details the important role we have to play in protecting our vineyards, regions and industries from biosecurity threats.

“Australia’s freedom from exotic plant pests and limited spread of notifiable pests is key to the future profitability and sustainability of Australia’s plant industries,” it says.

“Adopting sound vineyard biosecurity practices helps to protect your business, your livelihood, and the livelihoods of your staff and the businesses which provide you and the industry with services.

“By using the measures recommended in this manual in day-to-day activities you will improve your vineyard’s biosecurity and that of your region, minimising crop losses and avoiding additional costs.

“Once a new pest or disease becomes established in Australia, the ongoing costs of managing it are often far greater than the costs associated with preventing its establishment in the first place. “The earlier an exotic or notifiable pest incursion is detected, the more likely it can be successfully eradicated or contained.

“In addition to the exotic pests which are not in Australia, we also need to be aware of the notifiable pests that may be established in some regions but not others. For these pests, it is a legal requirement to report them if you find them on your property.

“Regulated pests for viticulture are Phylloxera, which is restricted to some areas of Victoria and NSW, Queensland fruit fly (present in the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and parts of Victoria) and Mediterranean fruit fly (present in southern Western Australia).

“Understanding and adhering to your legal obligations in conjunction with adopting sound biosecurity practices such as those suggested in this manual will minimise the risk of pest and disease accumulation and spread, as well as helping to protect others in your region. “Adopting on-farm biosecurity practices will also help with management of damaging pests and diseases which are already established in our vineyards.” What can you do?

- Become familiar with your industry’s exotic pests and notifiable pests (on page 30 of the manual). You may need to refer to these if you find a pest or disease you don’t recognise.

- Report any suspected exotic or notifiable established pests and diseases without delay by calling the

Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

- Develop and implement a biosecurity plan to address the risks posed to your specific operations, including risk from the movement of people, vehicles, equipment, soil and plant material onto and off your vineyard. The Farm Biosecurity website has a toolkit to assist you develop your biosecurity plan: www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/toolkit

- Ensure all visitors to your property are aware of your biosecurity requirements and adhere to your requirements for managing the biosecurity risks that they present.

Use a visitor register to record who enters your vineyard.

The Vineyard Biosecurity Manual can be accessed from the dried fruit and table grapes industry pages on the Plant Health Australia website: www.planthealthaustralia.com.au v

You have an important role to play in protecting your vineyard, your region and the viticulture industries from biosecurity threats.