3/8/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today welcomed an initiative with Australian Wheat Board International that will encourage farmers to display biosecurity signage on farm gates through a $50 subsidy towards the cost of each farm sign.
The joint initiative by the Department of Agriculture and AWB International aims to reduce the spread of pests, weeds and diseases on to farming properties across the State and encourage awareness of the importance of the issue.
Mr Chance said good biosecurity was a key factor for Western Australian farmers to help protect their livelihood from pests and diseases like footrot, fusarium head blight, codling moth, bedstraw and khapra beetle.
“For some time now, the Department of Agriculture has been striving through its various ‘Guard’ projects - such as GrainGuard, HortGuard, Stock Guard and BeeGuard - to increase farm biosecurity practices among farmers,” the Minister said.
“Farm biosecurity is simply about minimising the risks posed by introducing pests, weeds and diseases on to the property.
“The Gallop Government is protecting and enhancing WA’s unique environment.
“One of the department’s biosecurity objectives is to encourage farmers to implement effective work practices that minimise and control the presence of potentially harmful pests on their farms and I am delighted that the Australian Wheat Board is partnering the department in this initiative.”
AWB International director Wayne Gibson said the Farm Gate Biosecurity Sign was an important project for WA farmers.
“We know demonstrating area freedom from particular pests such as karnal bunt and khapra beetle is a marketing advantage in an increasingly competitive market place,” Mr Gibson said.
“We also are aware that while it is not possible to achieve zero risk in a global trading environment, it is clear that maintaining high standards of farm biosecurity will contribute to product quality.”
The Department of Agriculture and AWB International will join forces in promoting farm biosecurity as a sound business strategy.
AWB will use its extensive regional network of Landmark Stores to distribute brochures and order forms.
At the launch of the project, a demonstration was carried out showing how to clean a vehicle effectively before and after it leaves a farm to minimise biosecurity risks.
Minister's office: 9213 6700
