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PHA representation strengthened with two new industry Members
Industry peak representative bodies, Chestnuts Australia Inc. and the Australian Rubus Growers Association Inc. (ARGA) are the latest two plant industries to become full Members of Plant Health Australia (PHA).
Dr Tony Gregson, PHA Chairman welcomed the new Members. “It is very pleasing that the number of plant industries joining our ranks is growing,” he said.
“More industries are realising the benefits of PHA Membership which include the opportunity to develop industry biosecurity plans to prepare for exotic plant pests, enhanced access to overseas markets and the ability to join the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed partnership.”
Chestnuts Australia Executive Committee President Dr Heather Kane is well aware of the assistance that PHA provides in the event of a plant pest incursion.
Dr Kane said: ”Following the recent incursion of Chestnut blight in groves in Victoria, PHA worked with our industry and governments to coordinate the response to this emergency plant pest. PHA developed a framework for Owner Reimbursement Costs (ORCs) and made sure that payments to affected growers were made in accordance with that framework.”
The Australian Rubus Growers Association (ARGA) is the peak industry body for producers of raspberries, blackberries, black and red currants and gooseberries. President Philip Rowe is proud to have taken the step of joining PHA on behalf of his members.
“With the large amount of international trade and travel these days, the opportunity for pest incursions is increasing. It is important that the rubus industry is well prepared in the event of an incursion. Being in a partnership with PHA and its government Members will greatly assist the industry to mitigate risks and be better prepared,” said Mr Rowe.
Dr Gregson said that the PHA partnership is strengthened with each new industry Member.
“As the peak national coordinating body for plant biosecurity, the effectiveness of PHA is enhanced by having wide representation across both plant industries and governments. With Chestnuts Australia and ARGA, PHA now represents 32 plant industries in Australia, from cotton, grains and citrus to dried fruits, pistachios and olives.
“Our Membership combination of plant industries, all Australian governments, and other biosecurity stakeholders ensures that PHA is in a strong position to provide independent advice and facilitate decision making that is in the best interests of the national plant biosecurity system.”
