Start Clean, Stay Clean ^†

Abstract

Starting clean and staying clean is one of the simplest ways to maximise and sustain a productive farming operation. Australia’s geographical isolation and strict quarantine regulations has meant we have relatively fewer pests that affect primary industries compared to overseas. Healthy plants are easier to grow, require fewer chemicals and produce higher crop yield and quality. To remain internationally competitive and economically viable, the Australian agriculture sector needs to consider the positive impact that starting with healthy planting material and seed provides. Accurate and rapid diagnosis for viruses and other graft transmissible diseases that can spread through infected propagation material, plays a critical role in providing healthy plants for growers and supporting profitable production. Quarantine services provided by the Australian government and use of certified pathogen tested planting material greatly reduces the chance of introducing pests onto your property, that once established, can be difficult and costly to control. This presentation will provide a brief overview of programs available to ‘start clean’ and then concludes by summarising actions you, the farmer, can do to help ‘stay clean.’