Strengthening Australia’s Response to Fall armyworm – new FAW facilitator

Growing PBRI’s commitment to proactive plant biosecurity for food security Jane Whitman has been appointed as Fall Armyworm (FAW) Facilitator to enhance national efforts supporting growers and industries as they prepare for and manage the impacts of this highly destructive pest.

In partnership with Hort Innovation, the Grains Research & Development Corporation, Dairy Australia, the Cotton Research & Development Corporation and AgriFutures Australia.

Ms Wightman, Jane Whiteman Consulting, said the collaborative approach presents an opportunity to build a more connected, practical and coordinated system that improves communication, identifies research, development and extension (RD&E) gaps, and delivers clearer value to growers and industry.

“Initial consultation with growers, researchers, agronomists and industry stakeholders revealed a strong desire for the development of knowledge-sharing platforms that support the exchange of tools, strategies and best-practice approaches for effective Fall Armyworm management,” Jane said.

“Additionally, feedback highlighted a need for systematic identification of emerging management challenges and the benefits that can be realised by industries working together’.

“Through a series of national and regional workshops, growers and industry will co-design approaches to deliver clear, consistent and actionable communication, and strengthen the translation of research outcomes into practical on-farm guidance and decision support.”
Growers and industry stakeholders interested in participating in future workshops or staying up to date with the progress should contact Jane Wightman via jane@janewightman.com.au.

With 80 per cent of food eaten globally provided by plants and up to 40 per cent of crops lost to pests and diseases each year, this reinforces the importance of collaboration and coordinated, practical action. Through its role in bringing together researchers, industry and government, PBRI helps lead this effort for Australia, strengthening alignment across the system to safeguard plant health and protect the productivity and resilience of the nation’s plant industries into the future.