Biosecurity in action: Riverland grower leads the way

National Biosecurity Week is a timely reminder that safeguarding our agricultural industries from pests and diseases is everyone’s responsibility.

Riverland grower Richie Roberts from RNR Farms knows exactly what’s at stake. Across 70 hectares of blueberries, plus smaller amounts of citrus and winegrapes over five properties, he has seen how quickly a fruit fly detection can ripple through the community.

“When fruit fly is found nearby, I act straight away,” Mr Roberts said. “Anything I can do to create a barrier on my property, I’ll do it.”

Mr Roberts has had detections of Queensland fruit fly in monitoring traps, not in the fruit itself, but still close enough to take action. If fruit fly is in the area, he may adjust other sprays to help target it, while keeping biosecurity front of mind in pest management, harvest hygiene, and staff training.

“Before harvest, my staff know what to look for. It’s not always easy to spot pests in the field, but our sorters in the packing shed are quick to flag anything unusual,” he said.

And while growers can take many steps to reduce the risk of pests on their properties, they rely on others to do the same. That’s where shared responsibility comes in. On-farm biosecurity starts with growers, but it doesn’t end there. It also relies on travellers, local communities, backyard growers, industry bodies, and the government all doing their part.

PIRSA’s fruit fly response program leads a coordinated effort in outbreak areas, with field officers visiting properties to apply organic bait, hang traps, collect fallen fruit, and check for signs of fruit fly. Complementing these on-ground activities is the sterile insect technique (SIT) program which is  aimed at reducing any wild fruit fly populations.

Biosecurity works best when all Australians play their part. Whether it’s managing a commercial orchard, growing fruit at home, or simply following the rules when travelling into designated quarantine or pest-free areas. Every action counts.

“We all want to do the right thing, but we need to work together,” Mr Roberts said.

Pictured: Richie Roberts from RNR Farms at his blueberry farm in Renmark West.

More information

• As part of PIRSA’s self-baiting program, eligible commercial growers in the Riverland can receive free fruit fly bait and lures to use on their properties in outbreak areas.
• Current Queensland fruit fly outbreaks include the Riverland, Salisbury North, Glynde, as well as a Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in Ceduna.
• Visit our outbreak map for more information and updates.
• Learn which host fruits and vegetables are at risk from fruit fly.
• Use these tips tp protect your home garden from fruit fly
• Contact the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 if you have any questions.