THE NSW Department of Primary (DPI) Industries’ new Orange-based grains biosecurity officer Rachel Taylor will travel throughout NSW’s grain-growing regions and work with farmers and agronomists to raise awareness of grains biosecurity.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
According to the DPI’s director of plant biosecurity and product integrity Satendra Kumar, Ms Taylor will help fortify the NSW grains industry and give farmers a competitive edge.
“Grain growers constantly deal with pests and diseases on their farms and now with increasing levels of trade, traffic and people movement, the threat from both endemic and exotic pests and diseases will continue to rise,” Dr Kumar said.
Ms Taylor will also work with the grains industry to conduct grain surveillance.
Dr Kumar said Ms Taylor’s appointment is a big win for industry and also the DPI.
“Ms Taylor’s experience as an agronomist in the Riverina gives her a good understanding of the biosecurity issues which cereal, pulse and oilseed growers face,” he said.
“In addition to Ms Taylor’s practical knowledge of the grains industries, she is enhancing her ability to deliver a valuable service to NSW growers as she progresses in her studies towards a Master of Plant Biosecurity through Murdoch University.“
NSW grain growers and industry representatives can contact Ms Taylor to discuss grains biosecurity issues on their farms or within their businesses on 6391 3121 or email rachel.taylor@dpi.nsw.gov.au.