Review and gap analysis of stored grain sampling strategies

The grain production and export industry represents the largest agricultural industry in Australia. Australia is a world leading grain exporter, of high quality grain products, commanding a premium price for exported products. Australia’s reputation for high quality exports stems from the fact that Australian grains are required to meet stringent hygiene standards. The Australian grains industry, however, is facing new and significant pressures in relation to insect management, including phosphine resistance, deregistration of methyl bromide, reduction in use of traditional grain protectants, and an increased awareness in biosecurity worldwide. It is clear that new procedures to detect and manage pests of stored grain in the long term must be considered. The capacity to make these changes must be underpinned by an effective sampling regime.