On-farm biosecurity requires the implementation of efficient farm practices that protect crops from the introduction of pests and disease and support specified market access requirements. Biosecurity practices also facilitate preparedness and early detection of pest or disease incursions. This helps to minimise any crop and economic losses that may occur from the resulting reduction in quality or yield. AUSVEG Biosecurity Intern Tracey Kerford reports.

Having an on-farm biosecurity plan will protect your business from the impact of new and harmful pests and diseases. Early detection of exotic pests or diseases increases the probability of successful containment, eradication or management before it has time to adapt, establish and spread.

An on-farm biosecurity plan should outline all the necessary on-farm practices and procedures to be conducted and the frequency required to minimise the risk of pest and disease introduction or dispersal. For a plan to be effective, it needs to be tailored to your farm and should include staff training, surveillance and record keeping practices.

Staff training

Staff may not be aware of potential pests and disease or how easily they can establish and spread if introduced. This makes staff training an important aspect of an on-farm biosecurity plan. It should be included during the staff induction process and be regularly updated and reviewed.

Staff require training on:

• Effective hygiene practices.
• Possible pathways or vectors for introduction of pests and diseases.
• How pests and disease can spread.
• Crop monitoring for specific signs and symptoms.
• Daily checklist and staff record keeping requirements.
• Required actions and reporting.

Staff, contractors, and seasonal workers employed on multiple properties need to understand the possibility of spreading pests or diseases from one farm to another. Clothing, footwear, gloves, tools such as pruning shears, or machinery and vehicles may act as vectors and appropriate hygiene procedures are required each time they enter and exit a property.

Posters that outline the steps for correct hygiene or crop monitoring procedures help to remind staff and visitors of the importance of on-farm biosecurity.

Monitoring tools for crop protection: Yellow sticky traps attract a broad spectrum of flying insects.

Surveillance focus

On-farm surveillance involves actively looking for the presence and population levels of pests and diseases. Conducted on a regular basis, surveillance enables early detection and response to new incursions and allows for early control of common pests before they get out of hand. Surveillance also helps to determine population levels and movement of endemic pests and diseases as well as beneficial insects. This can include the use of sticky traps, pheromone traps, or light traps.

Understanding the pests and diseases that are commonly found in your area will help you distinguish anything that might be new or exotic.

Recording pest and disease absence data can be just as important. It facilitates the evidence of absence data collection required by some of Australia’s domestic and export markets. Where required, industry and government must provide proof that a specific pest or disease of concern is not present in the crop, plants or plant material being exported. Failure to provide evidence of absence may lead to import restrictions or additional phytosanitary procedures being imposed.

Participating in a surveillance network with neighbouring farms and the wider industry will keep you informed on potential biosecurity risks and help determine the most appropriate and effective course of action.

Record keeping

Accurate record keeping enables traceability, and acts as a point of reference or evidence. Records can also be used to identify areas of potential biosecurity risk when developing and reviewing on-farm biosecurity practices.

Records should include:

• Pest and disease monitoring and surveillance activities.
• Movement and introduction of plants, plant materials and produce.
• Vehicle and machinery cleaning.
• Staff training.
• Visitor information.
• Farm inputs/outputs.
• Chemical usage.

Keeping records of purchases, certifications and sales will help to quickly identify the source and potential spread of any pest and disease incursion on your property. Always request and record certification before introducing new plants or plant materials, including seeds, on to your farm.

If you suspect a new pest or disease on your farm:

• Mark the area.
• Take photographs of the suspected pest, disease or affected plant/s.
• Collect or contain suspected pests if possible.
• Stop the movement of people and equipment in or near the affected area.
• Wash hands and use appropriate sanitary measures on any clothing or footwear that may have been in contact with affected plant material or soil.
• Do not move or transport affected plant material unless advised by your relevant state government department.
• Report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline.

Find out more

Any unusual plant pest should be reported immediately to the relevant state or territory agriculture agency through the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881).

For further information, please contact AUSVEG on 03 9882 0277 or email science@ausveg.com.au. The Farm Biosecurity Program is funded by the Plant Health Levy.