Grains Knowledge Networks - Final Report

This project was undertaken in response to the need to maintain phosphine as a valuable tool for the management of insects in stored grain. This fumigant has the combined attributes of being cheap, effective for most commodities, compatible with grain handling logistics and accepted by domestic and international markets as residue-free. As a result, phosphine is central to pest management in the Australian grains industry and its continued effectiveness is essential to the sustainability of grain hygiene and market access for Australian grains.

In the past 15 years however, resistance to phosphine in insect pests of stored grain has increased in both frequency and strength such that continued use of the fumigant is now threatened. Through identification of stakeholders and evaluation of current knowledge and practices, the project found that there was significant mis-use of the fumigant occurring, principally for two reasons. Firstly, there is a large volume of complex information in relation to best practice in grain storage, and many stakeholders find the issues confusing or are unaware of their importance. Secondly, there are currently few drivers that encourage best practice or demand changes in poor practice.

The project recognised that practice change takes time, and while it starts with improved awareness through continual and consistent delivery of messages, it must be accompanied by the identification and provision of drivers for change. While there has been initial success in raising awareness of grain storage issues through delivery of information through the Grains Storage Extension (GSE) project and Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP), for true practice change to occur within the grains industry, fundamental changes are required within the grains supply chain to ensure that improved grain storage best management practice occurs.