Over 200 leading international scientists, agricultural industry leaders and government representatives will meet in Melbourne tomorrow to share the latest developments in plant biosecurity research and application at the 2018 Plant Biosecurity CRC National Science Exchange.
The event will showcase how CRC science is supporting national and international efforts to safeguard plant production and secure market access for international exports.
"The Science Exchange is the culmination of over six years of sustained collaborative research with our end-users in industry and government," said Dr Michael Robinson, CEO of the Plant Biosecurity CRC.
"This CRC was established to make a real difference to our agricultural and horticultural industries and to help secure our biosecurity borders. We’ve done this by working closely with government and industry - those at the frontline of biosecurity protection - to develop the tools, processes and protocols to identify and mitigate risks, and to offer guidance on how to respond to pest incursions."
"High-quality science underpins every trade agreement for Australia’s imports and exports. This science has meant Australia can protect its borders, prove the absence of market-sensitive pests and diseases, and fulfill the marketing promise of our agricultural exports," said Dr Martin Barlass, Chair of the Plant Biosecurity CRC.
The National Science Exchange will showcase high impact research from the Plant Biosecurity CRC’s 27 Australian and international partners, including;
- · New clean technologies to protect Australia’s $13 billion grains industry from chemical resistant stored grain pests
- · New diagnostic tools for rapid identification of pests and diseases in vineyards and other crops
- · The use of drones and mobile spore traps for biosecurity crop surveillance
- · Innovative social networking tools for remote pest and disease identification
The Science Exchange will be opened by Dr Michael Robinson, CEO of the Plant Biosecurity CRC, followed by an open discussion on the future of biosecurity and the nexus of economic security, food security, biosecurity and water security, hosted by ABC RN’s Cathy Van Extel.
The National Science Exchange is being held from 29 – 31 May in Melbourne.
The conference program and abstracts are available online: http://www.pbcrc.com.au/science-exchange-2018.
Follow the @PBCRC Science Exchange on Twitter: #NSX18
Media are invited to attend the event. If you wish to attend please first register your intent by contacting the CRC @ [email protected].
Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre Communications
Leane Regan, 0428 149 151, [email protected]
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