Farm Biosecurity Project Banana growers recognised in biosecurity awards The winners of the inaugural Farm Biosecurity Producer of The Year Award, part of the Australian Biosecurity Awards, are Mackay Farming Group from Tully, Queensland, and Rum Jungle Organics, from Batchelor in the Northern Territory. The Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year Award was established by AHA, PHA and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to recognise the contribution of producers who demonstrate outstanding, proactive on-farm biosecurity practices. AHA’s CEO, Kathleen Plowman, said producers are key to managing endemic diseases, pests and weeds every day, and are crucial in detecting and containing exotic disease and pest threats. “It’s great to see producers who are proactive about biosecurity, using simple yet effective methods to prevent or limit the 26 THE LINK AUT/WIN 18 impact that pests and diseases can have on the health of crops and livestock.” PHA’s Executive Director and CEO, Greg Fraser, added that the award is the only one of its type, recognising the work producers do in safeguarding our country’s excellent biosecurity record. “These producers found themselves caught up in two separate outbreaks of significant diseases of bananas. They know from first-hand experience what it’s like being involved in an eradication or containment response.” AHA/PHA Farm Biosecurity Project team “They both deserve to be recognised for their commitment to biosecurity and personal resilience in the face of very trying experiences.” The 2018 Australian Biosecurity Awards were presented at a gala dinner, part of the ABARES Outlook Conference in Canberra in March 2018. For more information about the winners visit www. farmbiosecurity.com.au/ banana-growers-recognised-inbiosecurity-awards. Gavin and Cameron Mackay are proud recipients of the Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year Award.
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