Wine Grape Biosecurity Program

1. Wine Grape Biosecurity Program Some of the challenges and opportunities for the Industry Wine Industry Biosecurity Reference Group Meeting November 2013

2. Wine Grape Biosecurity Program • Overview of the role of NWGBPC • Outline the national legislative/ policy and governance arrangements that influence Wine Grape Biosecurity • Process involved in developing and securing a national wine grape biosecurity program • The role of the IRG ‘This group’ • Seek input and feedback into what the biosecurity program should be and how the IRG can inform that

3. Biosecurity “Biosecurity is about managing the risks and potential harm to our community, our environment and economy from pests and diseases, or misuse of agricultural and veterinary chemicals” (Biosecurity SA website). • It’s a shared responsibility of government, industry, and the community. • A major outbreak of a pest or disease, could potentially cost millions (if not billions) and affect farmers, their produce and livelihoods. Exotic pests and diseases may also Australia’s clean, premium reputation and trade in hard-won international and domestic markets. • Farmers have primary responsibility to manage biosecurity pests (animals and plants) and threats on their properties. Only in exceptional circumstances, will a regional or state-wide response be warranted.

4. Wine Grape Biosecurity Program Coordinator • 0.6 Contract until August 2014 • Facilitate arrangements for national wine sector biosecurity management; • Work towards sustainable funding for wine sector biosecurity; • Ensure compliance with WGGA’s responsibilities under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD); and • Represent WGGA and WFA at meetings of Plant Health Australia, National Viticulture Biosecurity Committee (NVBC) and the Wine Grape Biosecurity Industry Reference Group (WBIRG).

5. Biosecurity policy & legislative Arrangements Commonwealth Biosecurity Arrangements Intergovernmental Agreement on biosecurity Between Commonwealth & State & Territory Governments, includes emergency response arrangements; surveillance and investment National Plant Biosecurity Strategy Facilitated by PHA; Responsibilities divided amongst state and industry organisation; Provides focus and strategic direction for activities Biosecurity Legislation Both Commonwealth, state and territory legislation. Administered by respective agricultural agencies. Commonwealth focus on border control and exotics, States focus on movement within and across States, endemics and exotics etc. Industry specific Biosecurity plans Viticulture Industry Biosecurity Plan and Manual Industry /issue specific Legislation e.g. Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of SA Industry /issue specific Regulations

6. Biosecurity Governance & Administrative Arrangements Commonwealth Biosecurity Arrangements Standing Council on Primary Industries (SCoPI) Includes Ministers from Commonwealth, State and Territory government. Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC) Includes the heads of State departments, BOM. CSIRO etc National Biosecurity Committee Includes sectorial representation, such as PHA Plant Health Committee Provides strategic, technical advice, includes a range of sub committees. Includes representations from Australian and government departments, PHA,CSIRO etc National Viticulture Biosecurity Committee DAFF, State Gov, Industry Organisation Wine Grape Biosecurity Industry Reference Group

7. Key Steps to facilitate arrangements (and $$)

8. 1- Governance & Funding Arrangements • Funding of biosecurity activities occurs through a range of mechanisms for different industries • E.g. PHA levy, positive EPPR Levy, State based levies, state appropriations • Each industry is unique • Many industries use a combination of funding ( e.g. EPPR levy + State appropriation) • Currently researching models used by other industries ( grains, mangoes, citrus) • Some State’s (Vic & SA) already have Viticulture Biosecurity activities, some are considering state based programs (WA) • Industry peak bodies, State governments and commonwealth will need to agree on best arrangements for viticulture biosecurity • Options are being prepared and discussed with stakeholders

9. Emergency Pest Plant Response Deed • WGGA signatory under the deed • EPPR Levy is usually enacted following an ‘incursion’, industry pay the levy to cover the cost of the clean up and management • Possible to set the levy at a low rate to build up a pool of emergency funds (reducing the onus at the time of an incursion) and do some extension activities • Setting the EPPR levy at a positive rate could provide sustainable funding for biosecurity activities but would need support and approval from levy payers and government • Setting positive levy is a lengthy process and ultimately needs PM approval and development of regulations (probably 1-2 years before funds would be available).

10. 2- Industry Needs • What support, services and activities are required by industry ? • What is already being delivered by others (e.g. State government, Phylloxera Board) • Are their synergies with existing programs and activities? • This information determines the required cost, informs the governance and funding arrangements and ensures that the program is targeted to what industry needs • IRG critical in assisting in gathering this information

11. Questions for the IRG • What are the industry needs for Biosecurity? • How can WGGA best engage with industry to determine needs and willingness to pay? • What role could the IRG be in progressing biosecurity arrangements for the industry? • Are their benefits in having a wine grape focused program versus a viticulture biosecurity program?