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Plant Biosecurity CRC

The Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (PBCRC) received the good news in November 2011 that it had been successful in its bid to secure further funding from the CRC Program until June 2018. The PBCRC will receive $29.7 million from the CRC funding and over the six years and its 26 Participants from industry, government, universities, and international organisations will invest $102 million in cash and in-kind. New participants include the University of Queensland and internationally, Kansas State University USA, Plant and Food Research New Zealand and the Bio-Protection Research Centre based at Lincoln University in New Zealand. Their involvement reflects the fact that plant biosecurity is a global issue.

The PBCRC will provide linkages, participation, resources and science, operating across all jurisdictions, to capitalise on the work of the CRC for National Plant Biosecurity (CRCNPB). It will assist in delivering an effective operational Biosecurity R & D system through the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) and National Plant Biosecurity Strategy (NPBS).

The four Research Programs to be undertaken in the PBCRC cover the biosecurity continuum:

  • Research Program 1 – Early Warning will include the identification and assessment of new and emerging plant pest threats and pathways, and the development of decision-making tools which will support planning and preparation.
  • Research Program 2 – Effective Detection and Response will develop tools to underpin surveillance strategies, smarter diagnostics and sharper, more cost-effective responses to incursions.
  • Program 3 – Safeguarding Trade will involve the development of techniques and tools to safeguard trade and market access for grain and horticulture exports; and develop new ways to manage established pests.
  • Program 4 – Secure Future will engage and inform the Australian community, government and industry to raise national awareness and defences against plant pests. In addition it will develop a lasting legacy of biosecurity knowledge, research, networks, tools and training.

The programs will have delivery and adoption along with education and training embedded throughout them. This will help ensure there is uptake of the research by end-users and the education component will train the next generation of biosecurity experts and help to fill the critical shortage Australia currently has of plant biosecurity specialists.

The PBCRC will build on the achievements of the CRCNPB by developing and applying practical technologies and solutions to a growing global problem; promoting biosecurity awareness; and laying the foundation for an enduring national legacy in plant biosecurity science.

As the PBCRC gets ready to commence operation, the CRCNPB has been reaping the benefits and rewards of its research to date. The Digital Diagnostics project won three awards in 2011: the CRC Association’s Excellence in Innovation Award, the Queensland Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Green category and The Australian Innovation Challenge Award in the Food and Agriculture category.