Biosecurity represents a range of activities and measures to assist in preventing, responding to and recovering from pests and disease incursions. Measures can be implemented across a range of levels from international, national, state, regional, local and farm level. Australia has been fortunate in that previously its geography granted a level of isolation from the pests and diseases which affected foreign plant-based industries. This has now changed as faster and more accessible international trade and travel has increased the risk of exotic plant pest incursions.
The nursery industry is particularly at risk from biosecurity events given its broad geographic spread, the wide variety of crops grown, and the trade markets it engages in. Such events may not only put our own industry at risk but also other plant-based industries and the environment.
To enable industry preparedness in prevention, response and recovery from biosecurity events, GIA has adopted a proactive approach. Investment and attention have been expended on biosecurity. Examples include
- The development of the Australian Plant Production Standard (APPS) incorporating a dedicated Biosecurity plant protection program, BioSecure HACCP
- Development of pest fact sheets and contingency plans. Industry threat specific contingency plans have been developed for significant exotic plant pests to inform the development of response plans. These plans can be accessed HERE.
- Signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) and
- Active participation in various management and consultative committees.
This page has resources which have been developed to assist industry in meeting its biosecurity obligations.