Xylella fastidiosa is NOT in Australia, but as a result of the devastating impacts in a number of overseas countries, Australia is putting preparation at the top of the priority list for the potential arrival of this exotic plant bacteria.

Shrivelled Berries Napa Country. Photo: Craig Elliott

To safeguard the future of the Australian nursery industry and broader horticultural sectors, it’s vital that we work to build our nation’s capacity and diagnostic capabilities to better prepare and manage the threat of an outbreak of Xylella.

Now known to affect over 560 commercial, ornamental and native plant species in Australia, Xylella has devastating impacts on plants, causing reduced growth, production and plant death.

The most important aspect addressing the impact of Xylella, is to prevent it coming into Australia through our boarder surveillance and quarantine activities.  However, here is a snapshot of current initiatives in the nursery industry, as we work to prepare for the management and mitigation of Xylella if it does eventually arrive in Australia.

Xylella coordinator

In a joint initiative earlier this year, Wine Australia and Hort Innovation, appointed Craig Elliott in the role of Xylella coordinator, as part of the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative. More

Friday, 4 October 2019

The Australian nursery industry and broader horticultural sector is thriving.

To support further growth and innovation within the sector, the industry must focus on the development of one its most important resources – people.

Hort Innovation using nursery industry levies and funds from the Australian Government is investing in a range of professional development programs aimed at upskilling the workforce, accelerating careers and fostering leadership within the nursery industry.

There are a number of scholarship and professional development opportunities currently available for those employed in the Australian nursery industry. These include: More

Monday, 23 September 2019

Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Celeste Cook as its new Plant Protection Officer based in Queensland and Northern NSW, under the levy-funded (NY15004).

With a background in animal and plant biosecurity, horticulture and teaching, Celeste has 10 years’ experience working both on-farm, and in a consultation and promotional services position for a major horticultural chemical manufacturer.

Celeste plans to help growers with the successful implementation of robust plant protection systems, such as BioSecure HACCP. These programs aim to improve crop management outcomes across a wide-range of areas, such as better pesticide selection and use.

“I look forward to working alongside Australian growers to develop and implement plant protection systems for the benefit of their businesses, and the industry as a whole,” Celeste said.

“My aim is to work directly with growers to promote increased Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and to share the benefits of consistent and frequent crop monitoring, to help inform business decision-making.

“Having an effective plant protection system has many benefits, including decreased pesticide usage, reduced crop damage and throw outs, as well as improved traceability and an understanding of what’s working well in the business.” More

Thursday, 19 September 2019

Fifteen nursery industry participants have successfully completed the 2019 Growing Green Leaders program, a professional development course that equips young people with the skills and knowledge to accelerate their careers and businesses.

Run by management consultancy firm, The Right Mind, the 2019 program concluded on 1-2 August in Brisbane. Together with their turf colleagues, the nursery cohort conducted a four-month study program to boost their management and communication skills, while undertaking a chosen workplace project.

There were some common themes in this year’s workplace projects, with many participants focusing their goals on the adoption of more productive behaviours in the workplace, in order to reflect their business’s values or the development of a new initiative or activity to boost overall performance.

At the concluding Leadership Forum in August, each participant presented their projects to the group; discussing their progress, key learnings, and future areas for development. Annette Thompson, Production Manager at Cameron’s Nursery, shared her experiences and key insights from the 2019 program. More