The grains industry has warned Australia’s defences against invasive plant pests and diseases are under threat.
This follows the Federal Government’s refusal to fund the Co-operative Research Centre for Plant Biosecurity.
Science and Research Minister Kim Carr’s decision has shocked the industry, whose members warned the Government risked jeopardising Australia’s biosecurity status.
Graincorp spokesman David Ginns said biosecurity was hugely important to maintaining market access for grain growers and other industries.
“It’s an alarm and red flag to industry, because if we lose this capability the cost is almost incalculable,” Mr Ginns said.
The Government’s decision follows the demise of the Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease on June 30, which worked on the deadly Hendra virus, mosquito-borne diseases, and equine and avian influenza.
Senator Carr has announced the Government will instead spend $100 million on four CRCs: High Integrity Australian Pork; Young People, Technology and Wellbeing; Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment; and Mental Health.
But Senator Carr said the CRC for Plant Biosecurity and others could still apply for funding next year.
However, he said the emphasis on the next round of funding would be on CRCs that focused on clean manufacturing, social innovation and sustainable regional communities.
CRC for Plant Biosecurity chief executive Simon McKirdy said the centre had 18 months to go before its seven-year federal grant ran out.
Dr McKirdy said the centre’s bid had included $38.2 million in industry commitments.
“We were asking $40 million from the Federal Government,” he said.
Mr Ginns said the decision not to fund the CRC sat in stark contrast to federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig’s speech to the International Grains Forum in Perth last week.
Senator Ludwig said food security was a critical issue for the future of global food supply.
“From Australia’s point of view, addressing food security means … protecting the productive base, maintaining plant and animal health status and sustaining the natural environment,” he said.
