We’re putting the finishing touches on our 2016/17 Annual Report, which shares the key achievements of Vinehealth Australia between 1 May 2016 and 30 April 2017.
It’s been a year of sorting out, direction setting and intense activity. We have tracked our results against 39 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across 13 key initiatives and our four strategic priorities, and we’re thrilled to report that 90% of KPIs have been achieved.
For example, in our key priority area of ‘Improving phylloxera and general biosecurity awareness and education’, we’ve worked hard on biosecurity-focused information sharing, including:
- A review of Vinehealth Australia’s website was completed with a new structure implemented and new content generated.
- Monthly e-newsletters were introduced, providing tips, policy updates, case studies on best practice, profiles of exotic and significant endemic pests and diseases, etc. We have an average open rate of 43.04% compared to industry average [Agriculture and Food Service] of 21.3%.
- ‘Biosecurity Alerts’ have been developed and two alerts have been sent out to growers and stakeholders advising of urgent biosecurity topics.
- Seven media releases have been distributed to a comprehensive wine and news database on key biosecurity matters, which has seen biosecurity content in the media increase significantly.
- Weekly biosecurity tips appear in key wine media and regional association communications.
- 20 feature articles about biosecurity topics including phylloxera have appeared in industry grape and wine magazines.
- Two communications campaigns have been activated to deliver practical and usable information to growers:
- Distribution of 6,858 biosecurity posters to all growers, agricultural resellers and other stakeholders in South Australia outlining 10 steps for best practice farm gate hygiene, and the new protocol for footwear and small hand tool disinfestation.
- A Tour Down Under campaign to notify growers in SA with vineyards on the route, to warn of the heightened biosecurity risk given increased tourist activity and to provide free signs for their vineyard gates/fences.
Communication is just one of our focus areas. Of course, our overall focus is driving biosecurity for the wine and grape industries.
We’ll upload a copy of our annual report to our website when complete, and share more highlights in future newsletters.