We know that many viticulturists, winemakers and other wine industry staff travel to different wine regions both within Australia and internationally during vintage. We also know that many Australian wine businesses employ international staff during vintage.
If you’re dealing with international staff, are you aware of the biosecurity risks they could pose to your vines through the spread of pests, diseases and weeds?
To assist you, Vinehealth Australia has considered the risk and created a handy fact sheet called Employing International Staff for companies employing staff from overseas for vintage, who will need to enter vine rows as part of their employment. This fact sheet includes what information to communicate before your new staff arrive in Australia.
“While locally, the movement of vectors that can spread phylloxera from one place to another, including machinery, equipment, grapes and grape products, grapevine propagation material and soil, are tightly controlled between Phylloxera Management Zones in Australia, people movement is not,” said Vinehealth Australia Technical Manager Suzanne McLoughlin.
“You are the front line of defense for controlling people movement. It’s important that you are aware of biosecurity risks associated with footwear, clothing and tools, and how to manage and mitigate these risks, particularly when you receive visitors or seasonal workers to your vineyards, or when you return from an overseas trip that involved visiting vineyards.”
In addition, Vinehealth Australia also offers a Biosecurity Planning for Vineyard Owners Hosting Visitors fact sheet which is packed with tips and information about controlling people movement on your property.
Finally, for simple biosecurity messaging to communicate to seasonal workers to help keep your vineyards safe from pests and diseases, refer to our Seasonal Workers: Help protect our vines in SA fact sheet.