Farmers have welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to step in and halt the on-going decline in Victoria’s ability to detect and respond to major pest and disease outbreaks.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the State budget set aside $20.5m for biosecurity.
“It’s so important – we are operating in an increasingly free trade environment, where some of our biggest trade problems are technical barriers. So we want to invest in significant technical knowledge and expertise that is required,” Ms Pulford said.
The budget papers refer to an upgrading of specialist equipment and supporting information technology systems in regional areas, to “improve the detection, diagnosis and analysis of biosecurity hazards, such as plant and animal pests and diseases.
“This will support Victoria’s agricultural producers in gaining and maintaining access to domestic and export markets,” the Budget papers said.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Peter Tuohey said his organisation and the state’s own staff had been highlighting the risks of eroding biosecurity funding for years.
“Our reputation as a nation, free from many of the diseases and pests that plague the rest of the world, is on the line,” Mr Tuohey said.
“So I’m glad to see the budget puts $20.5m of recurrent funding into the biosecurity budget, plus additional funding for vaccine production, biosecurity facilities and other support.”
Ms Pulford acknowledge there were “gaps” in Victoria’s biosecurity system.
“The budget has a significant injection of funds, not only to fill that black hole, I inherited from my predecessor, but also to build our capacity further again.
“We need to innovate, and adapt new technologies, to make sure our producers are getting the best possible protection they can, for domestic production and those important export markets.”
The Government had also put greater focus on boosting the state’s food and fibre exports, by injecting $66m into establishing more Victorian Government Business Offices overseas and $93m into the Future Industries Fund.
