Knowledge Brokering in Biosecurity: How International Linkages and Learnings Can Help Us Build a Better System
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Knowledge brokering in biosecurity: How international linkages and learnings can help us build a better system Jessica Lye (2017) Supported by the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Stronger Biosecurity and Quarantine Initiative (SBQI). About the author Dr Jessica Lye GAICD leads the Science & Extension project team at AUSVEG Ltd., Peak Industry Body for Australian vegetable and potato growers. Areas of expertise include plant biosecurity policy, exotic pest incursion response, agricultural engagement and extension, science communication, and promotion of agricultural innovation and practice change. Jessica is currently a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Women in Agriculture. In 2016, Jessica received the AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award (Victoria), an award that identifies and supports emerging leaders who have the desire, commitment and leadership potential to make a greater contribution to primary industries and rural communities. Jessica currently leads several industry levy funded projects encompassing agrichemical needs and priorities, sustainable farming, exotic plant pest management, plant pest surveillance, and farm biosecurity. She is the industry representative on the Consultative Committee for Emergency Plant Pests, and sits on multiple committees, including the Commonwealth Imported Seed Regulation Working Group (Department of Agriculture & Water Resources), and the Farm Productivity and Resource Use Strategic Investment Advisory Panel for the Vegetable R&D Levy (Hort Innovation). Acknowledgements The author would thank the following for support and funding for this project: AgriFutures Australia (Rural Women’s Award) Commercial sponsors of the Rural Women’s Award, including Westpac The Australian Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (Stronger Biosecurity & Quarantine Initiative) AUSVEG Ltd Plant Health Australia Hosting farms and organisations in the US Forward From 4-29 July 2017 the author travelled to horticultural regions along the east and west coast of the United States (US), meeting with growers, researchers and government departments to investigate how effective plant biosecurity and pest management is achieved in the US at the farm, regional, state and national level. The motivation to complete this study tour arose from experiences during the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic virus incursion in 2014-15, whereby international expertise proved invaluable to responding to the incident, and also with ensuing industry-led research into the virus. It is the intent that outputs arising from this tour will result in a raised industry awareness about exotic horticultural pests that may pose a threat to Australian production, which will increase the chances of early reporting, detection, and response. This pest information may also inform Australian investments in biosecurity preparedness activities and guide prioritisation of information that must be extended to industry and biosecurity personnel. Additionally, information captured in relation to effective US biosecurity initiatives, pest-management decision-aid systems, and biosecurity resources may also be used to develop similar initiatives and resources, which would be adapted to suit Australia’s needs. Finally, this tour developed professional relationships with US biosecurity personnel, researchers and growers, with the intent of increasing information sharing and fostering collaborations to support eradication and management of economically significant plant pests. Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 1 Project Plan ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Scope and Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 2 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 3 The Importance of Food Security ........................................................................................................ 3 What is Plant Biosecurity? .................................................................................................................. 3 Australian Biosecurity ......................................................................................................................... 4 Current Challenges .............................................................................................................................. 5 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Bursary Use ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Findings ................................................................................................................................................. 12 US Biosecurity ................................................................................................................................... 12 Topic 1: Common horticultural pests in the US ................................................................................ 15 Topic 2: Biosecurity initiatives in urban & peri-urban areas............................................................. 20 Topic 3: Exotic pest eradication and management responses ......................................................... 24 Topic 4: Biosecurity & pest management decision-making tools for industry and government ..... 29 Discussion.............................................................................................................................................. 31 Communication & Extension ................................................................................................................ 36 Outcomes .............................................................................................................................................. 37 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 37 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 38 Pest Preparedness............................................................................................................................. 38 Biosecurity Capacity and Capability .................................................................................................. 39 Urban Biosecurity.............................................................................................................................. 39 The Role of Councils .......................................................................................................................... 40 Project Challenges and Solutions .......................................................................................................... 40 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................. 41 Professional Development .................................................................................................................... 41 References ............................................................................................................................................ 43 Additional Resources ............................................................................................................................ 44 P a g e | 1 Executive Summary From 4-29 July 2017 the author travelled to horticultural regions along the east and west coast of the United States (US), meeting with growers, researchers and government departments to investigate how effective plant biosecurity and pest management is achieved in the US at the farm, regional, state and national level. States visited were California, Oregon, Washington State, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Over a 25 day period 4000km of US highway was travelled, and 30 meetings were undertaken. Study tour major stakeholders (industry, government, and researchers) were kept informed of tour progress through regular e-bulletins, mini reports, and over social media. Extension of findings to industry was ramped up shortly after conclusion of the tour with the commencement of a series of biosecurity workshops in Australian states. This final report has been developed for use by AgriFutures Australia and interested horticultural industries. In this context, ‘industry’ encapsulates growers, crop protection consultants, wholesalers, farm supply businesses, fresh produce transporters, and distributers. It is the intent that outputs arising from this tour will result in a raised industry awareness about exotic horticultural pests that may pose a threat to Australian primary production, which will increase the chances of early reporting, detection, and response. This pest information may also inform Australian investments in biosecurity preparedness activities and guide prioritisation of information that must be extended to industry