The new Apple and Pear Industry Biosecurity Plan by Plant Health Australia has identified fourteen high priority exotic pests and diseases which would cause the most significant consequences should they arrive in Australia.

The meeting will be run by Plant Health Australia and attendees will be asked to provide input on which pests and diseases they believe are the highest priority, and then how industry could potentially mitigate the risk.

APAL suggests that well-managed biosecurity is key to ensuring the long term success of the apple and pear industry which currently enjoys freedom of at least 250 exotic pest and diseases that occur worldwide as well as some of the most severe such as Fire Blight, European Canker and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

The Peak Industry Body says that Australia has long enjoyed a natural isolation from pest and disease threats, but as international travel and overseas trade increases the risks of a biosecurity incident affecting our industry also increases. Growers are strongly encouraged to participate and help drive the industry’s biosecurity activities into the future.

Those interested in participating in the session but can’t make it to the APAL office are asked contact Angus Crawford to arrange details to participate via teleconference.

Source: APAL