Vinehealth Australia and other South Australian wine industry representatives recently participated in Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training hosted by Plant Health Australia and PIRSA.
Warren Birchmore, Technical Manager for Vinehealth Australia, attended the session and said the training provided him with a clear understanding of what happens during a biosecurity outbreak, so he can best represent the grape and wine industry during such an event.
Led by Plant Health Australia with South Australian-specific sessions by Nick Secomb, Chief Plant Health Officer at PIRSA, and his team, the training aimed to deepen understanding of biosecurity practices and the responsibilities of an ILO.
Participants, which also included representatives from other agricultural sectors, gained detailed insights into the role of an ILO during a plant pest or disease biosecurity incursion. Key topics included:
- Introduction to plant biosecurity response
- Industry’s role in a biosecurity response
- Working with control centre functional areas
- Information flow during a response
- Confidentiality and conflicts of interest
- Preparation strategies
A highlight was a video presentation by Danny Le Feuvre, CEO of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, sharing his experiences during the NSW Varroa mite incursion, which provided practical tips for ILOs.
“I’d encourage all agricultural organisations and industries to be familiar with roles and responsibilities in the event of a plant pest incursion. All agricultural industries will be impacted, and Varroa mite in bees is an example of how quickly an incursion can spread,” Warren said.
For those interested in enhancing their biosecurity knowledge, Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) is recommended. This training, which was postponed during the COVID period, has recently recommenced.
