Plant Health & Biosecurity
Spotted anything unusual?
Early detection of an exotic pest or disease is critical to mounting a successful response for eradication. Industry workers are the first line of defence, often the first to identify something unusual. If you have spotted something unusual, or suspect a pest that represents a risk to your business and the greenlife industry, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Biosecurity can be defined as the protection of a nursery enterprise from the introduction of exotic pests including insects, diseases, weeds and other biological organisms, that may adversely impact the business.
Owing to Australia's natural geographic defenses, the greenlife industry has remained relatively free from exotic pests. However, incursions are not uncommon and it is critical for the industry to be aware and prepared for plant health and biosecurity risks. Comprehensive plant health and biosecurity practices are critical to protecting your business, preventing huge production losses and ensuring the security of intra and interstate greenlife trade.
Greenlife Industry Australia is strategically focused on plant health and biosecurity, supporting major initiatives across Australia. The association is a Member of Plant Health Australia and is a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). GIA has also secured funding of $5M over five years from 2020-2025 to deliver critical resources ensuring industry biosecurity awareness, preparedness and management practices to reduce the impact of plant pests and disease on the Australian plant industry. The project which is funded through Hort Innovation using nursery industry levy and Australian Governments funds, delivers across a range of initiatives for growers including a country-wide network of Plant Protection Officers and a world class best practice program for plant biosecurity, BioSecure HACCP.
