This investment quantifies the everyday benefits of on-farm biosecurity practices so that recommendations can be made on how to incentivise vegetable and melon growers to adopt appropriate biosecurity measures.

The first phase of the research will involve a comprehensive review of the literature drawing on research and case studies from Australian and international horticultural/agricultural industries on the costs/benefits of adopting on-farm biosecurity practices.

The second phase will capture information on the implementation of farm biosecurity in the target industries, the preparedness, knowledge, experiences and perceptions of growers, and the costs/benefits of practices through face-to-face interviews, exploration of farm management and relevant financial records for two scenarios: ‘no incursion’ and ‘incursion’.

The researchers will use this information to develop an economic tool to assess the financial benefits and costs of adopting on-farm biosecurity practices.

Government, levy-paying growers and industry extension officers (such as VegNET RDOs) will be able to use the findings from the project to support the increased adoption of sound on-farm biosecurity practices. The increased adoption of biosecurity practices will result in decreases in the establishment and spread of endemic and exotic pests between and on vegetable and melon farms, minimise the need for pesticide inputs, improve compliance with quality assurance programs and market access requirements, and increase long-term profits for growers, due to pest control and business continuity under an incursion scenario.`

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund