Australian trade in agricultural food products – the challenge for plant pathologists

Abstract

International trade of plant-based agricultural commodities is dependent in part on science-based evidence that demonstrates the absence of key pests and diseases. Australia’s current biosecurity system is well evolved and highly regarded throughout the world. However, the system faces new challenges posed to national trade by globalisation, developing global food trends, environmental change and evolving consumer expectations. In meeting these new challenges, it is suggested that plant pathologists will work towards building on traditional strengths in the protection of primary production against plant pathogens. These skills will see plant pathologists remain as strong contributors to science teams that will form to meet the new challenges and result in plant pathologists contributing towards a series of refinements that will continue to strengthen biosecurity and enhance trade.