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AUSVEG’s project officers undertake a number of extension projects in the space of biosecurity and crop protection. These projects aim to improve the management of pests and increase the availability of best practice resources for Australian Vegetable growers. Core foci include biosecurity, sustainable growing and pest management solutions.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the vegetable industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to actively determine pests of high priority, analyse the risks they pose and implement procedures to reduce the chance of pests becoming established. AUSVEG is involved in a number of extension projects with a core biosecurity focus including:- Vegetable and Potato Biosecurity Program – 2016-2019 – Co-managed by Plant Health Australia and AUSVEG – This project aims to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the vegetable and potato industries at the farm gate and industry level.
- VG15020 – Strengthened Biosecurity for the Vegetable Industry – Phase 2 – 2016-2019 – This project provides consulting resources for the effective communication of biosecurity based technical information to Australian vegetable growers.
- MT16004 – RD&E Program for control, eradication and preparedness for Vegetable Leafminer – 2017 – 2020 – Project partners include cesar, The University of Melbourne, Plant Health Australia, NAQS and AUSVEG. AUSVEG will deliver a communication and engagement program to improve awareness of the Vegetable Leafminer.
Sustainable growing Sustainable vegetable growing is integral to the success and future growth potential of the vegetable industry. AUSVEG strives to provide resources and advice on sustainable growing practices. Current projects include:
- EnviroVeg Program – EnviroVeg is the Australian vegetable industry’s environmental program, which provides Australian vegetable growers with guidelines and information on how to manage their business in an environmentally responsible manner. A full description of EnviroVeg can be found here.
Pest management solutions
Pest management involves agrichemical, cultural, and biological control for the control of pests. More information can be found at crop information. Current projects include:
- VG16060 – Vegetable Agrichemical Pest Management Needs and Priorities – This project aims to prioritise agrichemical efforts by identifying pest priorities for vegetable commodities. One outcome of this project will be in updating the industry Strategic Agrichemical Review Processes (SARPs).
Project Officers
Dr Jessica Lye | National Manager – Science & Extension
Jessica Lye joined AUSVEG in August 2014. She manages the National Vegetable and Potato Biosecurity Program, as well as the extension team at AUSVEG.
Jessica has 10 years of experience in scientific research, science communication, adult education, public speaking and engagement. A Monash University alumni, Jessica completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Genetics and Zoology, before undertaking Honours based research in Plant Biotechnology (2006), and completing her PhD in Molecular Genetics (2013).
In 2016 Jessica was awarded the RIRDC Rural Woman’s Award for Victoria. The award identifies and supports emerging women leaders who have the desire, commitment and leadership potential to make a greater contribution to primary industries and rural communities. Through the award Jessica has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course and continued to develop her knowledge of biosecurity policy and farm-biosecurity best practice for the benefit of Australian growers. Jessica is a member of Australian Women in Agriculture – Victoria Division.
Outside of biosecurity, terrariums, horses and hiking are also key interests.
Callum Fletcher | Biosecurity Coordinator
Callum Fletcher joined AUSVEG in 2016 and holds the position of Biosecurity Coordinator. Previously, he worked in New Zealand as a researcher and agricultural industry consultant. Callum is a Masters graduate from the University of Canterbury and his skills include insect taxonomy and the plant pathology of a range of crop pests in cereals, potatoes and vegetables. He has specialist knowledge of many areas of the Zebra Chip complex, including morphological diagnostics of the Tomato potato psyllid.
Callum’s interests include cycling, camping and exploring his new home in Australia.
Andrew Shaw | Environment Coordinator
Andy joined AUSVEG in March 2015 and coordinates the EnviroVeg program. Andy holds a bachelor of science with first class honours in chemistry from La Trobe University and is a 2017 Growing Leader. Having grown up in north-west Tasmania (where his family has a background in vegetable farming), Andy has spent time working from the offices of AUSVEG SA, with growers across the country and led the 2017 USA vegetable industry development tour. He demonstrates skills in facilitation, collaboration and understanding grower food safety requirements.
Andy enjoys the great outdoors, traveling, reading and inflicting puns upon his friends.
Madeleine Quirk | Biosecurity Officer
Maddy Quirk joined AUSVEG in 2016. She holds the position of Biosecurity Officer. Maddy is in her final year of studies at Monash University, studying a Bachelor of Science/Arts and majoring in Ecology and Conservation Biology. Her key skills include science communication, organisational and analytical skills.
Outside of her work and study commitments, Madeleine enjoys travelling and skiing.
Patrick Arratia | Agrichemical Pest Management Needs and Priorities
Patrick joined AUSVEG in July 2017 and coordinates the Agrichemical Pest Management Needs and Priorities project. Previously, he worked in South Australia as a breeding agronomist managing the canola contra season program for one of the big chemical companies. Patrick brings with him experience in agronomy, qualifications in Agricultural Engineering and passion for the agricultural industry.
Patrick interests includes playing soccer (football) and guitar, traveling and hiking.