What is Farm Biosecurity?
Farm biosecurity is a set of measures designed to save a property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases. Farm biosecurity is our most important responsibility, and that of every person visiting or working on your property.
Why is biosecurity important?
Biosecurity is extremely important because it ensures that our properties are kept clean and that farmers are able to reduce the risk of disease or infestation. It also allows Australian Farmers to maintain the high standard of produce that we are well known for.
If a new pest or disease becomes established on our farm, it will affect our farms through increased costs (for monitoring, production practices) and reduced productivity (in yield or quality) or loss of markets. Early detection and immediate reporting of an exotic pest or disease increases the chance of effective and efficient eradication.
Biosecurity is extremely important because it ensures that our properties are kept clean and that farmers are able to reduce the risk of disease or infestation. It also allows Australian Farmers to maintain the high standard of produce that we are well known for.
If a new pest or disease becomes established on our farm, it will affect our farms through increased costs (for monitoring, production practices) and reduced productivity (in yield or quality) or loss of markets. Early detection and immediate reporting of an exotic pest or disease increases the chance of effective and efficient eradication.
The Farm Biosecurity program
The Farm Biosecurity Program is an important part of Australia’s emergency animal disease and exotic plant pest surveillance systems. Surveillance allows us to preserve existing trade opportunities and provides evidence of Australia’s pest and animal disease status to support access to international markets.
There are two parts to a farm biosecurity plan:
The Farm Biosecurity Program is an important part of Australia’s emergency animal disease and exotic plant pest surveillance systems. Surveillance allows us to preserve existing trade opportunities and provides evidence of Australia’s pest and animal disease status to support access to international markets.
There are two parts to a farm biosecurity plan:
- Creating measures to reduce the risk of introducing an infectious disease, pest or weed onto the property.
- Creating measures to reduce the risk of spreading an infectious disease, pest or weed within a property.
What do cotton farmers do to protect their farms?
1. Be aware of biosecurity threats. 2. Use 'clean' farm inputs. 3. Practice good farm hygiene to prevent the entry or spread of pests. 4. Control volunteers. 5. Check the crop regularly. 6. Abide by the law. The role cotton Australia plays in biosecurity |
For more information fact sheets on Biosecurity in cotton, click on the links below.
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Cotton Australia holds the official role for biosecurity stewardship in the Australian cotton industry, and works with the Australian government to manage this national priority through its membership of Plant Health Australia.
This work includes:
This work includes:
- representation and involvement in national debate
- policy development and implementation
- prioritisation of resources
- decision making
- overseeing the Cotton Industry Biosecurity Plan
- helping to manage incursions that affect cotton
Biosecurity is a shared responsibility between those in the community, including growers, consultants, contractors, industry members and visitors. Each person needs to play their part to reduce the likelihood of spreading pests, weeds and diseases.