Biosecurity
WFA believes a sustainable and profitable wine industry requires a plant health management system that enhances Australia’s plant health status.
Despite having a low-risk quarantine system based on sound science and compliance with international agreements, Australia increasingly has seen serious pest incursions that can have a devastating impact on agricultural industries. We need to ensure our response capabilities are adequate.
WFA works to:
- apply risk management principles to achieve the highest attainable phytosanitary and sanitary status for the viticultural-based industries of Australia through its membership of the National Vine Health Steering Committee.
- ensure the wine industry’s interests are represented when national policy is developed through its membership of Plant Health Australia (PHA), a national coordinating body that identifies and commissions projects and coordinates policy development.
WFA is a signatory to the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, which is managed by PHA.
An updated Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Viticulture Industry was released in August 2009 - see
Industry Reports & Plans.
Working Group on Vine Improvement
To increase understanding within the wine industry of the potential threats of a major exotic disease outbreak or pest incursion, WFA and Wine Grape Growers Australia have jointly established a Working Group on Vine Improvement. Membership comprises: Mark McKenzie (WGGA); Tony Battaglene (WFA); Prue Henschke, Russell Johnstone, Richard Hamilton, Brian Englefield and Roseanne Healy.
Who do I contact?
Tony Battaglene
Director, Strategy & International Affairs
Telephone: 02 6239 8300
Email tony@wfa.org.au