In 2010-11, over 50 million tonnes of grain were produced in Australia with a value of approximately $11 billion. Due to Australia’s relatively small population and domestic demand, export markets are essential for the viability of Australian grain farms. Australia currently exports approximately 60% of its grain, with an export value of $8.5 billion in 2010-11.
To secure our share of overseas markets, the biosecurity of the Australian grains industry is of utmost importance in maintaining market access. Australia needs to supply grain of a quality that meets customer needs. Many activities are undertaken along the supply chain to maximise the quality and quantity of grain produced and give Australian producers the best chance of securing overseas markets for our grains.
Australian grain must be grown, stored and transported free of unacceptable pests. This means controlling established pests while remaining within residue level compliance testing, measures that growers can take. But it also means protecting our crops from exotic pests that if present would reduce our ability to grow grain for export and, in some cases, mean immediate suspension of trade.
The grains industry has identified 40 exotic High Priority Pests of the grains industry.
If any of the 40 High Priority Pests identified, were to become established in Australia, and in particular grain growing regions, they would significantly increase production costs and valuable export markets could be lost.
Keeping Australia’s plant industries free of pests and diseases is a continuous process. It involves efforts offshore, at the border and in Australia. Onshore, the management of plant biosecurity is a partnership between federal and state and territory governments, plant industries and their communities. The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) minimises the likelihood of pests and diseases entering the country with offshore and Australian border activities.