While significant biosecurity systems are applied by government and other agriculture agencies, has a part in protecting Australia’s horticulture industry.

To help members of the general public understand their biosecurity obligations, AUSVEG, in conjunction with the Hurstbridge Community Hub and Agriculture Victoria, facilitated a pest and disease identification workshop at the Hurstbridge Community Hub on Saturday 8 February.

The workshop raised awareness on how potential biosecurity threats, such as tomato potato psyllid (TPP), vegetable leafminer, brown marmorated stink bug, and giant African snail, affect agriculture, amenity and the environment.

Speakers from AUSVEG and Agriculture Victoria also discussed Queensland fruit fly and TPP, and explored the benefits of spiders in gardens.

Participating community members learnt how to detect and report suspect pests, via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline or MyPestGuide Reporter app.