- Cook Government investing $8.47 million in wide ranging research to grow and protect horticulture production
- WA to play key role in biosecurity research to support market access
- Initiative to help optimise and expand WA’s $1.49 billion horticulture industry
Western Australia will participate in a significant new national biosecurity research program on pests to protect and grow the nation’s valuable horticulture industry and support market access.
The Cook Government is investing $8.47 million in the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) program, delivered by Hort Innovation on behalf of the Australian Government and led by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
As a key research partner in this program, a multi-disciplinary team from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will investigate in-field management strategies, alternative treatment options and integrated management tools.
The WA team will also examine the use of digital technology in real time trapping detection and identification, genetic testing to identify the origin of pests at a molecular level, as well as develop science-based protocols to pathways to market.
Endemic and exotic pests are an ongoing challenge to WA horticulture production, with growers across the State tackling pests including Mediterranean fruit fly, fall armyworm and tomato potato psyllid.
The eight-year FASTA initiative will help optimise and expand WA’s $1.49 billion horticulture industry, spanning the Kimberley to the Great Southern.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“The Cook Government is delighted to be involved in the FASTA research, helping improve production and reduce costs, while providing robust systems and evidence to maintain and secure access to key export markets.
“Biosecurity is a priority for our Government and this investment supports efforts to protect WA’s horticulture industry from pests and diseases, such as the current Qfly and polyphagous shot hole borer responses and integrated pest management work with growers.
“I look forward to seeing the important research outcomes from this long term co-investment and how they help our diverse industry realise its potential and capture new market opportunities.”
Background:
The Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance is a partnership between Hort Innovation, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA); the Queensland University of Technology, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (VIC), the Western Sydney University, the Department of Tourism, Industry and Trade (NT), the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association, James Cook University, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) and GreenSkin Avocados, with levy funding from the avocado and strawberry industries, and support from the Albanese Government .
