IMAPpests, a national cross-industry surveillance project to monitor and report on the presence of airborne pests and diseases, is one of the projects supported by the PBRI.
In a positive move for the future of plant health research in Australia, funding for the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) has been renewed.
In mid-July the PBRI members signed a collaboration agreement for a further three years to co-ordinate and support plant biosecurity research in Australia. The partnership includes Australia’s seven plant Research and Development Corporations, Plant Health Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
“This announcement is a green light to continue to build on the important work the PBRI has achieved to date,” PBRI Program Director Dr Jo Luck said.
“We look forward to continuing to address the big issues affecting the biosecurity of Australia’s plant industries using world-class science and innovation.
“The PBRI has been re-funded in the UN-declared International Year of Plant Health, so we will continue to play a central role in promoting the global message of ‘Protecting Plants, Protecting Lives’ across Australia.”
Since its inception in 2017, the PBRI has co-ordinated the funding of 10 collaborative projects with a total value of $50 million, to support stronger biosecurity.
“In three years we have co-ordinated investment of over $50 million, supporting biosecurity research for high priority pest threats such as Xylella, which affects over 500 plant species, Fall armyworm and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug” Dr Luck said.
Find out more about the PBRI here and stay up to date with International Year of Plant Health activities here.
