Biosecurity

The National Farmers' Federation Horticulture Council is calling on the Albanese Government to respond to the decision to stop the Varroa Mite eradication effort with a clear commitment to conclude its review of the legality of levying containerised cargo under international law before the end of the year. Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said ... it is abundantly clear more support for the biosecurity system will be required.

The National Management Group (NMG), of which Melons Australia represents industry on, confirmed at its meeting on 19 September 2023 that eradication of Varroa destructor (varroa mite) is no longer feasible based on technical grounds, following advice from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP). The response will now enter a transition to management phase.

Grain growers across central and northern New South Wales are being advised to be ‘alert, not alarmed’ as reports of Russian wheat aphid (RWA) in winter crops come in from across the region. NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) entomologist at the Tamworth Agricultural Centre, Dr Zorica Duric said RWA had been detected in crops on the Liverpool Plains and around Moree in recent weeks.

Here kitty, kitty – here’s the thing – there are almost five million cats in Australia. Research by the  Invasive Species Council  found that 70% of cat owners let their cats roam freely outdoors. An average roaming cat kills 186 animals a year...

The announcement that Indonesia will lift its live cattle export suspension with immediate effect is welcomed. With Malaysia recently making the same announcement, this means our critical live cattle industry can return to normal export routes as quickly as possible.

The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the agreement to resume the trade of Australian buffalo and cattle following restrictions imposed by Indonesia. We appreciate this has been a challenging time for the Australian and Indonesian industries as these issues were worked through.

The mass frog mortality event occurred at the lagoon last week, prompting the immediate closure of the popular nature park near Naracoorte. While DEW has confirmed a suspected chytrid fungus outbreak in the area, it has cautioned the public to stay on paths and help reduce the potential spread of the disease.

Varroa mite has been detected in hives located in almond orchards at Balranald and Euston in southern New South Wales. The finds bring the total infested NSW premises to 250.

Beekeepers are urged to be vigilant in monitoring for Varroa mite and keep up-to-date with permits, as Agriculture Victoria strengthens it surveillance in response to a detection over the border ... This comes as Victoria’s almond pollination season in the Sunraysia region is coming to an end, and beekeepers are moving their hives to pollinate other Victorian fruit and crops.