From the Chair
I am pleased to present the 2013/14 Annual Report to the participants of the Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme, stakeholders involved in the Western Australian grains, seeds and hay sectors and to the Minister for Agriculture and Food.
Over the past 12 months, we have endeavoured to deliver a biosecurity scheme that addresses the priorities of the WA grains, seeds and hay industries. Varying messages from the industry regarding the inclusion of skeleton weed in the Scheme prompted targeted consultation with Scheme contributors. The purpose was to determine the level of industry support for skeleton weed as a priority issue to be targeted via the Scheme.
I was pleased with the level of engagement we had with the industry, with almost 500 contributors responding to our survey. The findings made it clear that industry view skeleton weed as a priority issue, and we have been working with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) to ensure an effective and efficient control program that delivers the outcomes expected by the industry.
Both the Skeleton Weed Control Program and the Bedstraw Eradication Program were once again successfully delivered in partnership with DAFWA. Of particular note was a 42% reduction in the total area infested by skeleton weed, and the release of one property from quarantine for three-horned bedstraw.
The level of industry support for the Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme remains strong. The Scheme is industry-controlled, and I encourage scheme contributors to have a say in how the Scheme is used to support a viable and sustainable industry into the future.
I thank the Industry Management Committee for the work they have undertaken over the year, DAFWA for their delivery of the programs, and all participants in the Scheme for their contributions toward the biosecurity of our industry.
On behalf of the Committee, I look forward to a continuing partnership throughout 2014/15.
Yours sincerely
Barry Large
Chairman
29 October 2014