GRAINS development officer Jeff Russell has been appointed as the State’s new grains biosecurity officer.
Mr Russell will continue to be based at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Northam office and will travel regularly throughout the grainbelt.
He takes over from Lisa Sherriff, who is currently working as an executive officer with the department.
Mr Russell will be attending many of the spring field days and is keen to talk to growers about their perceptions of grains biosecurity.
“I’m really interested in benchmarking the level of understanding and commitment of growers to on-farm grains biosecurity,” he said.
“I’d like to know more about what biosecurity practises they are using and how that relates to biosecurity measures along the grains supply chain.”
In his role as the State’s grains biosecurity officer, Mr Russell will be responsible for raising awareness about grains biosecurity and will be an active participant in any pest or disease incursion responses.
“There have been many gains made in protecting the State’s valuable grains industry from potentially devastating plant pests and diseases,” he said.
“However, we as an industry must remain vigilant and work together to ensure such threats are kept at bay.”
Mr Russell will work closely with the department and Plant Health Australia, which funds his position.
He can be contacted by growers interested in biosecurity directly by telephoning 9690 2000 or via email jeff.russell@agric.wa.gov.au
