Dracaena Farm Nursery: Advancing biosecurity with BioSecure HACCP and mini tech skills training
20 March 2025
Dracaena Farm Nursery in Beachmere, QLD, has grown from its 1998 origins as a family operated business specialising in dracaenas and yaccas to an industry leader in indoor foliage, succulents and orchids. Under the leadership of Bronwyn Hiller, the nursery continues to set benchmarks in quality and biosecurity through third party accreditations, innovative practices and staff development.
Commitment to excellence through accreditation
Dracaena’s journey towards operational excellence began with achieving Best Management Practice (BMP) certification under Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA).
Cementing Dracaena Farm’s reputation for high standards, this milestone involved:
• enhancing sanitation
• chemical handling
• biosecurity protocols.
BioSecure HACCP elevating biosecurity
In recent years, BioSecure HACCP accreditation has become central to its operations, ensuring rigorous
biosecurity risk management. Key measures include:
• raised bench growing to reduce contamination
• concrete pathways for better sanitation
• improved drainage to improve plant health.
These measures help safeguard plants against environmental challenges such as:
• fire ant incursions
• bushfires
• floods.
“Our accreditations push us to innovate continually. They’ve elevated our biosecurity measures and helped us deliver consistent, high-quality plans,” Ms Hiller said.
Advancing innovation through mini tech training
Dracaena Farm is committed to innovation through mini tech skills training, supported by the Hort Innovation levy-funded National Biosecurity and Sustainable Plant Production Program (NY0001).
If your business has NIASA, EcoHort or BioSecure HACCP credentials, you can access 22 free mini tech skills courses to enhance staff knowledge and improve operations.
To learn more or explore this training for your nursery, connect with your local Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) Extension Officer or visit the Australian Plant Production Standard (APPS) page.
