The latest version of the Cotton Industry Biosecurity Plan (Version 4.0) has been released, focusing on the identification of High Priority Pests (HPP) and other significant biosecurity threats to Australian cotton.

Developed with input from the Cotton Technical Expert Group (TEG) and Cotton Biosecurity Implementation Group (BIG), the plan represents collaboration between industry experts, biosecurity professionals, and representatives from CRDC, Cotton Australia, and state agriculture agencies.

First developed in 2006 and last updated in 2015, this revision ensures the plan remains relevant to current biosecurity challenges. Cotton Australia Policy Officer (R&D and Stewardship) Doug McCollum highlighted the importance of the updated plan for the industry's biosecurity preparedness.

“It outlines the specific threats most likely to impact cotton and consolidates existing knowledge into one comprehensive document,” Doug said. “We are grateful to our dedicated group of industry technical specialists, whose input is vital in preparing an effective biosecurity plan.”

PHA Strengthens Cotton Biosecurity

Plant Health Australia (PHA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cotton Australia to enhance the Cotton Industry Biosecurity Program, aiming to boost biosecurity capacity across the sector. PHA also supported the Cotton Guardians Biosecurity Workshop in Brisbane, equipping industry participants with essential skills and knowledge to protect against biosecurity risks.