We work on a May to April financial year at Vinehealth Australia, which means we’ve been busy refining our activities for the new year.
In 2018/2019 we will continue to fulfil our primary functions set out in the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995, we will continue to deliver important information to the community about biosecurity and we will provide even more practical biosecurity solutions that will empower you to protect your vines.
Key focus areas in 2018/19 are:
- Completing a risk assessment for the introduction, establishment and spread of phylloxera in SA.
- Reviewing the current SA Plant Quarantine Standards to ensure their strength to protect SA’s vineyards.
- Updating SA’s outbreak management plan for phylloxera – while prevention is key, we need to ensure that we are adequately prepared to manage a detection of phylloxera in SA and, thus, minimise the impact.
- Establishing a new state surveillance program for phylloxera using a risk-based approach to target activities.
- Advocating for and participating in a review of the National Phylloxera Management Protocol – it is imperative that this review is undertaken in a collaborative manner between state governments and industry.
- Re-engaging with the vine improvement and nursery sector to ensure the high health status of planting material.
- Continuing to progress the evolution of the current Vineyard Register to a Digital Biosecurity Platform that enables Vinehealth Australia to leverage information to better inform decision making across all biosecurity activities.
- Working with Wine Australia and other key stakeholders to develop a prioritised biosecurity Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) plan.
- Continuing to provide advice and operational support to Biosecurity SA for all matters under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed that relate to the viticulture and wine industries.
If you would like to know more about Vinehealth Australia’s functions, please call our office on (08) 8273 0550 or email admin@vinehealth.com.au.