The Plant Industry Forum (PIF) marked a major milestone at the recent Plant Health Australia (PHA) member meetings in Canberra, celebrating its 40th meeting and 20 years of plant industries working together on shared biosecurity goals.
The PIF brings together all signatory plant industry bodies under the Emergency Plant Pest Response (EPPRD) Deed. It gives industries a place to discuss biosecurity issues, share insights, test ideas and help shape national approaches to preparedness and response. It also strengthens relationships across sectors and ensures plant industries have a coordinated voice in national decision making.
This year’s meeting aligned with two important anniversaries, 25 years of PHA and 20 years since the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed came into effect, setting the framework for how governments and industries work together when new pest threats appear.
Plant Industry Forum Committee Chair Nathan Hancock said the PIF’s 40 meetings reflect two decades of cooperation and shared purpose.
“For 20 years, plant industries have come together through the Forum to share knowledge and make progress on common biosecurity goals,” Mr Hancock said.
“Across those meetings this group has helped shape national priorities, support practical tools, and build the trusted relationships that make the Deed work.”
Mr Hancock thanked PHA, government partners and industry members for their ongoing commitment.
He said these anniversaries are a reminder of what has been achieved and the challenges ahead.
“Climate variability, global trade and hitchhiker pests are constant reminders of how connected and vulnerable our systems are,” he said.
“The answer is staying informed, connected and ready to act together when it counts.”
The PIF will continue to support coordinated action, practical solutions and a strong, united approach to plant biosecurity across all industries.