Biosecurity underpins export trade

Delegates at Outlook 2012 heard how Australia’s enviable biosecurity system is enabling access to new markets and increasing agricultural trade opportunities.

Organised by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), Outlook 2012 is the agricultural sector’s key annual conference. It was held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on 6-7 March.

One of the sessions, Biosecurity - Facilitating Trade, discussed how government and industry have been working together in partnership to introduce new export inspection and certification arrangements for grains and access into Asian markets for Australian cherry exports.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s First Assistant Secretary, Biosecurity Plant, Dr Colin Grant, said governments, industries and the communities have a shared responsibility for the nation’s biosecurity.

“Biosecurity remains critical to Australia’s agricultural sector and the productivity of Australia’s farming, fishing and forestry businesses engaged in international trade,” Dr Grant said.

“It also helps to protect the wider economy and environment from the impact of exotic pests and diseases.

“It is therefore important that the agricultural sector, along with importers and exporters, and the broader community, assists in maintaining Australia’s low pest and disease status, as this helps to underpin our $39 billion a year agriculture, fisheries and forestry export trade.

“Working closely together on biosecurity will give confidence to other nations, which will continue to see Australia as a preferred trading partner.”

Dr Grant chaired the session at Outlook, where he was joined by Andrew Inglis of the Biosecurity Advisory Council, Geoff Honey of Grain Trade Australia and Lucy Gregg of Fruit Growers Tasmania.