Our Vision
To transform Australian plant biosecurity and protect our multi-billion dollar industries and natural ecosystems by facilitating generational change in people, technology, innovation, adoption, and policy.
Our Mission
Our mission is to transform the Australian plant biosecurity sector by training the next leaders and innovators in the latest technological and societal approaches for protection of our multi-billion dollar natural and productive ecosystems.
Our Why
Australia’s biosecurity system is valued at $314 billion over the last 50 years and plays a critical role in protecting the quality of life of all Australians and our place on the world stage [1, 2].
Biosecurity is a critical part of Australia’s efforts to prevent, respond to, and recover from pests and diseases that threaten the economy and environment. Our first-class produce is safe and available to domestic and international consumers; we have access to premium agricultural trade markets; our diverse native flora is unique and of immeasurable value; we are free from many of the major plant and environmental pests and diseases found in other parts of the world; and our natural, social and urban amenities make Australia a highly desirable and rewarding destination for tourists.
Collectively, these economic, environmental and social benefits are underpinned by the nation’s environmental assets estimated to be worth $5.7 trillion [2].
The protection of our valued flora is not guaranteed, and plant disease and pest outbreaks will have devastating consequences for the agricultural and forestry industries whilst compromising our native environments.
A recent report has valued our agricultural, forestry and fisheries production at $71 billion per annum [2] with many sectors identified being at particular risk. For example, the incursion and establishment of the exotic Xylella bacterial disease will cost the grape vine industry up to $2.8 billion [3]. Modelling has revealed that the continual spread of the recently established Xylella fastidiosa could ultimately cost the European Union over €5.5 billion per year due to loss of production and place 300,000 jobs at risk [4].
To avoid similar impacts on the Australian economy, a robust, effective, and responsive plant biosecurity system is critical to protect our natural and productive ecosystems
Employing a “business as usual” approach for our future biosecurity requirements will be ineffective in the long-term.
Craik, W., et al., Priorities for Australia’s biosecurity system: An independent review of the capacity of the national biosecurity system and its underpinning Intergovernmental Agreement. 2017, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources: Canberra.
Modelling has demonstrated that even a tripling in investment in the sector is not enough to prevent increased biosecurity threats over even the short-to-medium term.
Consequently, plant biosecurity requires a transformational change to keep ahead of the increased risks and ensure its effectiveness in protecting Australia’s multi-billion-dollar agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental industries, tourism, and quality of life.
References
1. Craik, W., et al., Priorities for Australia’s biosecurity system: An independent review of the capacity of the national biosecurity system and its underpinning Intergovernmental Agreement. 2017, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources: Canberra.
2. Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Canberra.
3. Hafi, A., et al., Protecting Australia’s horticultural industries from disease: The impacts of Xylella fastidiosa on Australian horticulture and the environment. 2021, ABARES: Canberra.
4. Sánchez, B., et al. Estimating the economic, social and environmental impacts of EU priority pests. in 2nd European conference on Xylella fastidiosa. 2019
5. National Plant Biosecurity Strategy 2021-2031. Plant Health Australia: Canberra.
6. National Biosecurity Strategy. 2022, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Canberra.
7. Vleeshouwers, V.G., et al., Molec. Plant-Microbe Interact., 2014. 27(196-206).
8. Australia’s Biosecurity Future: Unlocking the next decade of resilience 2020-2030. CSIRO: Melbourne.
9. Ecker, S., Evaluation of the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions Balanced Researcher Program. 2021.
11. Wilkinson, M.D., et al., Scientific Data, 2016. 3(1): p. 160018.
12. McLeod, R., Annual Costs of Weeds in Australia. 2018, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions: Canberra.
13. Hafi, A., et al., The Value of Australia’s Biosecurity System at the Farm Gate. An Analysis of Avoided Trade and On-farm Impacts. 2015, ABARES: Canberra, Australia.
14. The economic contribution of the Sugarcane Industry to Queensland and its regional communities. 2019, Queensland Economic Advocacy Solutions.
15. Cresswell, I., et al., Australia state of the environment. 2021, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Canberra.
16. Hogan, L., et al., Australia’s biosecurity market access and agricultural exports. 2021, ABARES Research Report 21.07: Canberra