Food Integrity and Biosecurity - RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006--2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007

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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007
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To Food Integrity and Biosecurity Research in Progress

3.6 Food Integrity and Biosecurity – Completed Projects

Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation

2. Enhancing the capacity to ensure food integrity

UT-44J Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence Prof Mark L Tamplin (03) 6226 6378 University of Tasmania

Project Title: Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence

RIRDC Project No.: UT-44J

Researcher: Professor Mark L Tamplin

Organisation: University of Tasmania

Phone: 03 6226 6378

Fax: 03 6226 7450

Email: Mark.Tamplin@utas.edu.au

Objectives • C onduct strategic, pre-competitive research applicable to a wide range of food industry sectors
• Address food safety issues arising across the whole agri-food supply chain
• Provide solutions to food safety problems caused by microorganisms, allergens and natural toxicants

Background The Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence was established in 2003 under the National Food Industry Strategy Limited (NFIS) to maintain and build capacity in the sciences underpinning the safe supply of food to the Australian public and for Australian foods exported to demanding markets.

Research The Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence produced a large portfolio of applied and strategic research products with direct application to the food industry and for underpinning food innovation. Research was conducted in genomics and proteomics, risk assessment and management, predictive microbiology, emerging hazards and food biosecurity.

Outcomes • New strategies to optimize the antimicrobial effects of food processing operations and maximise the effects of stressor sequence applications with commercial foods.
• New understanding of bacterial genomic processes that can be exploited to reduce pathogen incidence and persistence in food.
• Formation of the Allergen Bureau to define and promote industry needs in this emerging area of food safety.
• Knowledge of the behaviour of biothreat agents in higher risk foods and an established partnership with US food biosecurity agencies.
• Increased capacity to proactively manage and control emerging food safety and integrity issues within the Australian food industry.
• Greater human capacity to understand the concepts of science-based food safety risk assessment and risk management and to know where to source information, tools, methods and/or expertise.
• Production of a Capability Map to help food companies efficiently locate specialised research providers.
• Formation of a new Food Safety News Service that provides industry with customised knowledge management services.
• Enhanced food safety management skills in Small and Medium Enterprises which benefit competitiveness, reputation and public health.
• A stronger base from which to negotiate and influence domestic and international food safety regulations.
• Increased industry awareness of the Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence and its role in supporting the food industry and associated regulatory bodies .

Implications Food industries now have increased awareness and understanding of food safety hazards and strategies for their management, plus increased capacity to proactively identify, manage and control emerging food safety issues. In its new phase, the Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence in now positioned to sustain its programs through valued stakeholder investment.

Publications Since initiation of the project in 2003, the Centre has disseminated its research products through presentations at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals, books and theses. A list of all publications will be reported in the Centre's Final Report to NFIS on 1 October 2007 , and through its website at www.foodsafetycentre.com.au.

To Food Integrity and Completed Projects

3.6 Food Integrity and Biosecurity – Research in Progress

Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation

2. Enhancing the capacity to ensure food integrity

DAV-231A Biosecurity risk management in the food chain – a framework Ms Joanne Bobbitt (03) 9217 4334 Department of Primary Industries (Vic)

UMO-37J Infrared and raman microspectroscopic analysis of food content and integrity Prof Donald McNaughton (03) 9905 4525 Monash University

3. Investigating potential biosecurity risks

CPB-2A Survey of Australian rice blast races and cultivar susceptibility Dr Eric Cother (02) 6391 3886 NSW DPI

CPB-3A Enhanced biosecurity planning tools Dr Paul de Barro (07) 3214 2811 CRC for National Plant Biosecurity

DAV-228A Biosecurity and the small landholder: linking spatial data to risk analysis Carole Hollier and Michael Reid (02) 6030 4500 Department of Primary Industries (VIC)

UCS-36A Assessment and communication of risk in agricultural quarantine issues Prof Margaret Alston (02) 6933 2783 Charles Sturt University

Project Title Biosecurity risk management in the food chain –
a framework

RIRDC Project No.: DAV-231A

Start Date: 01-Sep-2006

Finish Date: 01-Mar-2008

Researcher: Ms Joanne Bobbitt

Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Vic)

Phone: (03) 9217 4334

Fax: (03) 9217 4111

Email: joanne.bobbitt@dpi.vic.gov.au

Objectives A framework will be developed to enable a methodical assessment of biosecurity risk within a food chain which can be integrated into a HACCP risk management construct.
By understanding biosecurity risks along the food supply chain, businesses will be better able to integrate the necessary controls into their HACCP planning, therefore improving the security of the food they produce.
This will be achieved through the review of previous work/research and consultation with various food industry and government stakeholders to identify the Critical Control Points (CCPs) for biosecurity risk along the food chain.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
The project team has completed a comprehensive review of biosecurity across the food chain, including bioterrorism as part of the biosecurity risk. In the Australian context, the threat to our nation's food supply is currently assessed as low, but fresh cut produce, processed raw foods not treated by heat and high market penetration ingredients were identified as Australian food products most at risk. Tatsoi, a vegetable that is generally consumed raw, farmed rabbit meat and honey were identified as products that fall into the category of high risk foods.
The project team has developed risk matrices for both tatsoi and farmed rabbit meat, and is developing the risk matrix for honey. A situation analysis of the honey industry has commenced.
The project team is using the information from these studies to develop a generic framework for managing biosecurity risks in the food chain.

RIRDC Research in Progress – Enhancing the capacity to ensure food integrity

Project Title Infrared and raman microspectroscopic analysis of food content and integrity

RIRDC Project No.: UMO-37J

Start Date: 01-Jul-2006

Finish Date: 30-Apr-2009

Researcher: Prof Donald McNaughton

Organisation: Monash University

Phone: (03) 9905 4525

Fax: (03) 9905 4597

Email: don.mcnaughton@sci.monash.edu.au

Objectives To develop techniques and methodology based on Infrared and Raman micro-spectroscopy and imaging to enable rapid identification of food contaminants in the form of pathogens such as Bacillus species, toxins (eg bacterial and myco-toxins) and chemicals such as cyanide and nerve agents. In particular, develop methodologies based on coupling spectral enhancement with confocal Raman microscopy and on Focal Plane Array (FPA) reflectance infrared imaging.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
A Bacillus thuringiensis culture has been set up and protocols have been developed to prepare spores and cells for spectroscopy. Infrared and Raman spectra of spores, dipicolinic acid (DPA) and dipicolinate (the chemical marker of spores) have been successfully recorded. A variety of colloidal silver and gold suspensions have been generated and tested at a number of excitation wavelengths as SERS substrates for DPA at ca 10 -5 M concentration. The colloid type and excitation frequency for optimum detection have been determined. Klarite SERS surfaces have also been tested for detection of low concentrations of DPA. SERS spectra of DPA have also been achieved with these surfaces, although as yet the conditions for maximum signal have not been fully ascertained.
Colloidal Ag and Au SERS suspensions have been tested for a number of pesticides: chloropyrifos, dyfonate and diazinon. Optimum spectra have been achieved using dried deposits of the colloids and the spectral bands are now generally understood.
IR spectra of on Bacillus thuringiensis, (sporulated and non sporulated) DPA and CaDPA have been recorded using an ATR. Preliminary hyperspectral images of partly sporulated Bacillus have been recorded and for comparison a non sporulating bacillus is now under culture.

RIRDC Research in Progress – Investigating potential biosecurity risks

Project Title Survey of Australian rice blast races and cultivar susceptibility

RIRDC Project No.: CPB-2A

Start Date: 24/03/2006

Finish Date: 30/11/2007

Researcher: Dr Eric Cother

Organisation: NSW DPI

Phone: (02) 63 913 886

Fax: (02) 63 913 899

Email: ric.cother@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Objectives Test the susceptibility status of our main rice cultivars and advanced breeding lines to the rice blast isolates present in our region

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
Surveys of wild Oryza species in the far NW of NT, the flood plains east of Darwin and in north Queensland near Mareeba and Cairns have detected many populations of diseased plants, many with symptoms typical of infection by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea . Although many leaf lesions are typical of blast disease, no conidia of the fungus have been observed on field specimens and the fungus has not been isolated from diseased tissue.
Several fungi and bacteria have been consistently isolated from a range of lesions. Fungi of the Helminthosporium/Bipolaris complex are being tested for their pathogenicity to several Oryza species, including domestic rice cultivars. A smut disease was found in grain at Fogg Dam and early indications are that the pathogen may be an undescribed species of Tilletia . Samples have been sent overseas for confirmation. This may have important implications to the domestic rice industry if the smut fungus is a new species (as suspected) and is pathogenic to commercial cultivars.
Four known bacterial pathogens have been isolated from diseased stems and glumes. Pathogenicity tests have demonstrated that these species are pathogenic to a widely grown rice cultivar, causing sterility or lower grain weights. One of the four pathogens is known to be present in NSW and the implications for the domestic industry in southern Australia could be serious should any of the other three species be introduced.

RIRDC Research in Progress – Investigating potential biosecurity risks

Project Title Enhanced biosecurity planning tools

RIRDC Project No.: CPB-3A

Start Date: 01-May-2006

Finish Date: 30-Apr-2009

Researcher: Dr Paul de Barro

Organisation: CRC for National Plant Biosecurity

Phone: 07 3214 2811

Fax: 07 3214 2885

Email: paul@crcplantbiosecurity.com.au

Objectives • To determine the optimum framework for undertaking biosecurity planning for new and emerging industries.
• To expand and enhance the plant industry biosecurity planning process by developing a more rigorous tool for identifying and prioritising emergency plant pest threats that leads to more effective allocation of research resources.
• To improve the method of communicating the purpose and intent of plant biosecurity to existing, new and emerging industries and the general community.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
• A discussion paper has been prepared and handed to RIRDC on the 29 th April 2007 . This document sets out the framework to be used to inform industry biosecurity risk management planning.
• The aforementioned discussion paper presents a bioeconomic framework for estimating the potential tangible impact of invasive species over time, and presents two case studies demonstrating how the model works and the results it is able to produce. This document also highlighted the need for the planning process to recognise the limitations of quantitative modelling approaches, and the need to supplement quantitative assessments with other important information.
• Research is continuing into the use of multi-criteria evaluation in ‘triple bottom line' assessments of management decisions. Dr David Cook recently attended a 3-day Masterclass in Ecological Economics (3-5 June, 2007) conducted by the European Society for Ecological Economics which focused on the use of quantitative and qualitative environmental and economic information in policy decision analysis. This involved interactive experiments showcasing Deliberative Multi-Criteria Evaluation (DMCE) techniques. Particular attention was focused on the communication of detailed information from ‘expert witnesses' to decision-makers. The course also highlighted the need to clearly outline the evaluation process to those making the decisions to enable them to ask the right questions and draw out appropriate information from experts. If this can be done, DMCE presents a very promising option as a decision-facilitation tool.

RIRDC Research in Progress – Investigating potential biosecurity risks

Project Title Biosecurity and the small landholder – Linking spatial data to risk analysis

RIRDC Project No.: DAV-228A

Start Date: 30 Dec 2005

Finish Date: 30 Nov 2007

Researcher: Carole Hollier and Michael Reid

Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (VIC)

Phone: 02 6030 4500

Fax: 02 6030 4600

Email: Carole.hollier@dpi.vic.gov.aui

Objectives • Assess biosecurity risk associated with the small landholder sector.
• Assist government to identify appropriate strategies to reduce biosecurity threat from this sector.
• Develop new strategies for risk assessment.

Current Progress

Biosecurity communication and extension programs appear to be ad hoc in capturing the small farm sector. The research has applied a primary social based methodology in exploring small farms and biosecurity. The main research methods include mapping at a National and regional scale, and semi-structured interviews with small farmers across two distinct case study regions. Interviews have been completed in the north east region of Victoria and have been scheduled for the Swan Catchment in Western Australia . Both regions feature large numbers of small landholders interspersed with full time commercial farming operations.
National and regional mapping demonstrates:
• 12 regions of potential regions of concern in response to high densities of small farmers and targeted land-use
• high connectivity between small farms and larger commercial operations, influencing pest plant and disease transmission pathways.
Preliminary analysis of the interview data indicates:
• Biosecurity is often not on the radar of the small farm sector, and land management issues such as animal health and weeds may be less of a priority.
• Some possible issues of risk with the sector include poor awareness of land management responsibilities, inappropriate stock disposals, poor animal husbandry and alternative land management practices that may trigger weed infestations.
• A lack of trust towards reporting sensitive issues to government departments.
Social networks play an important role in information dissemination and influencing appropriate land management behaviour with the sector. Communication approaches will need to consider the diversity of land management practices within the sector and the associated challenges in tailoring messages.
The research will improve deficiencies in current biosecurity programs in targeting the sector for biosecurity preparedness and prevention. A National Workshop will be held in October 2007 to present finding to influence communication strategy and extension programs with the sector.

RIRDC Research in Progress – Investigating potential biosecurity risks

Project Title Assessment and communication of risk in agricultural quarantine issues

RIRDC Project No.: CSU-36A

Start Date: 1 Aug 2005

Finish Date: 15 Nov 2007 (revised)

Researcher: Prof Margaret Alston (with Prof Allan Curtis, Prof John Tulloch & Ms Andrea Grant)

Organisation: Charles Sturt University

Phone: 02 6933 2783

Fax: 02 6933 2293

Email: Malston@csu.edu.au

Objectives • Identify the social construction of quarantine risk across organisational, media, industry and other sub-cultures.
• Identify different risk discourses used in the assessment and communication of quarantine risk between scientific experts, across different stakeholder groups and between experts and non-experts.
• Explore the impact of scientific uncertainty on the assessment and communication of quarantine risk.

Current Progress

This study aims to explore different responses to pest and disease import risk and to provide decision-makers with a better understanding of environments in which they communicate risk. The study is being conducted in two stages. Stage one involves a qualitative analysis of interviews and documents. Analysis of data from stage one will inform focus groups and survey of stakeholders in citrus, pork and bee industries in stage two.
Stage one of the research has been completed with analysis of interviews from the bee, citrus and pork industries, and textual data from government, industry and newsprint media. Three interim reports describing analysis and findings for the three industry cases and a separate report on the media study are in progress. These reports document findings from interviews with industry members including breeders, producers, processors, marketers, exporters and industry leaders as well as textual content from media. The reports outline different discourses drawn on in the construction of risk, revealing a set of complex and interwoven responses to risk with implications for risk communication. Based on issues emerging from preliminary analysis data has been explored with a view to identify the communication needs for risk assessment and management. Given the complex nature of the field of assessment - including analysis of various risk pathways, regulatory mechanisms, production practices, regional differences, political ideologies and industry vulnerabilities – there are a variety of responses to risk and its acceptability. We propose approaches for greater integration of the scientific dimensions of risk with an understanding of the broader context of the everyday practice and experience of those involved in risk assessment and its management. As a first step we identify key areas in which the assessment of risk would benefit from dialogic approach to risk communication including geographic dimensions of risk, surveillance knowledge and capacity, consequence analysis and comparative market advantage, practice implications for risk vulnerability, responsibilities and regulatory dimensions of risk.
Stage two of our research has commenced in which we test our findings from industry interviews and textual data with a wider audience through focus groups and survey. Data collected from phase one representing different rationalities of risk is being used in focus group and survey methods to further define areas in which shared understandings of risk could be facilitated. The project aims to improve awareness of the social and cultural dimensions of pest and disease import risk and contribute to the resilience of Australian agricultural industries in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

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3.6 Food Integrity and Biosecurity – Completed Projects
Project No	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation

Project Title:	Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence
RIRDC Project No.:	UT-44J
Researcher:	Professor Mark L Tamplin
Organisation:	University of Tasmania
Phone:	03 6226 6378
Fax:	03 6226 7450
Email:	Mark.Tamplin@utas.edu.au
Objectives	• C onduct strategic, pre-competitive research applicable to a wide range of food industry sectors • Address food safety issues arising across the whole agri-food supply chain • Provide solutions to food safety problems caused by microorganisms, allergens and natural toxicants
Background	The Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence was established in 2003 under the National Food Industry Strategy Limited (NFIS) to maintain and build capacity in the sciences underpinning the safe supply of food to the Australian public and for Australian foods exported to demanding markets.
Research	The Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence produced a large portfolio of applied and strategic research products with direct application to the food industry and for underpinning food innovation. Research was conducted in genomics and proteomics, risk assessment and management, predictive microbiology, emerging hazards and food biosecurity.
Outcomes	• New strategies to optimize the antimicrobial effects of food processing operations and maximise the effects of stressor sequence applications with commercial foods. • New understanding of bacterial genomic processes that can be exploited to reduce pathogen incidence and persistence in food. • Formation of the Allergen Bureau to define and promote industry needs in this emerging area of food safety. • Knowledge of the behaviour of biothreat agents in higher risk foods and an established partnership with US food biosecurity agencies. • Increased capacity to proactively manage and control emerging food safety and integrity issues within the Australian food industry. • Greater human capacity to understand the concepts of science-based food safety risk assessment and risk management and to know where to source information, tools, methods and/or expertise. • Production of a Capability Map to help food companies efficiently locate specialised research providers. • Formation of a new Food Safety News Service that provides industry with customised knowledge management services. • Enhanced food safety management skills in Small and Medium Enterprises which benefit competitiveness, reputation and public health. • A stronger base from which to negotiate and influence domestic and international food safety regulations. • Increased industry awareness of the Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence and its role in supporting the food industry and associated regulatory bodies .
Implications	Food industries now have increased awareness and understanding of food safety hazards and strategies for their management, plus increased capacity to proactively identify, manage and control emerging food safety issues. In its new phase, the Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence in now positioned to sustain its programs through valued stakeholder investment.
Publications	Since initiation of the project in 2003, the Centre has disseminated its research products through presentations at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals, books and theses. A list of all publications will be reported in the Centre's Final Report to NFIS on 1 October 2007 , and through its website at www.foodsafetycentre.com.au.

3.6 Food Integrity and Biosecurity – Research in Progress
Project No	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation

DAV-231A	Biosecurity risk management in the food chain – a framework	Ms Joanne Bobbitt	(03) 9217 4334	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
UMO-37J	Infrared and raman microspectroscopic analysis of food content and integrity	Prof Donald McNaughton	(03) 9905 4525	Monash University

CPB-2A	Survey of Australian rice blast races and cultivar susceptibility	Dr Eric Cother	(02) 6391 3886	NSW DPI
CPB-3A	Enhanced biosecurity planning tools	Dr Paul de Barro	(07) 3214 2811	CRC for National Plant Biosecurity
DAV-228A	Biosecurity and the small landholder: linking spatial data to risk analysis	Carole Hollier and Michael Reid	(02) 6030 4500	Department of Primary Industries (VIC)
UCS-36A	Assessment and communication of risk in agricultural quarantine issues	Prof Margaret Alston	(02) 6933 2783	Charles Sturt University

Project Title	Biosecurity risk management in the food chain – a framework
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-231A
Start Date:	01-Sep-2006
Finish Date:	01-Mar-2008
Researcher:	Ms Joanne Bobbitt
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
Phone:	(03) 9217 4334
Fax:	(03) 9217 4111
Email:	joanne.bobbitt@dpi.vic.gov.au
Objectives	A framework will be developed to enable a methodical assessment of biosecurity risk within a food chain which can be integrated into a HACCP risk management construct. By understanding biosecurity risks along the food supply chain, businesses will be better able to integrate the necessary controls into their HACCP planning, therefore improving the security of the food they produce. This will be achieved through the review of previous work/research and consultation with various food industry and government stakeholders to identify the Critical Control Points (CCPs) for biosecurity risk along the food chain.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	The project team has completed a comprehensive review of biosecurity across the food chain, including bioterrorism as part of the biosecurity risk. In the Australian context, the threat to our nation's food supply is currently assessed as low, but fresh cut produce, processed raw foods not treated by heat and high market penetration ingredients were identified as Australian food products most at risk. Tatsoi, a vegetable that is generally consumed raw, farmed rabbit meat and honey were identified as products that fall into the category of high risk foods. The project team has developed risk matrices for both tatsoi and farmed rabbit meat, and is developing the risk matrix for honey. A situation analysis of the honey industry has commenced. The project team is using the information from these studies to develop a generic framework for managing biosecurity risks in the food chain.

Project Title	Infrared and raman microspectroscopic analysis of food content and integrity
RIRDC Project No.:	UMO-37J
Start Date:	01-Jul-2006
Finish Date:	30-Apr-2009
Researcher:	Prof Donald McNaughton
Organisation:	Monash University
Phone:	(03) 9905 4525
Fax:	(03) 9905 4597
Email:	don.mcnaughton@sci.monash.edu.au
Objectives	To develop techniques and methodology based on Infrared and Raman micro-spectroscopy and imaging to enable rapid identification of food contaminants in the form of pathogens such as Bacillus species, toxins (eg bacterial and myco-toxins) and chemicals such as cyanide and nerve agents. In particular, develop methodologies based on coupling spectral enhancement with confocal Raman microscopy and on Focal Plane Array (FPA) reflectance infrared imaging.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	A Bacillus thuringiensis culture has been set up and protocols have been developed to prepare spores and cells for spectroscopy. Infrared and Raman spectra of spores, dipicolinic acid (DPA) and dipicolinate (the chemical marker of spores) have been successfully recorded. A variety of colloidal silver and gold suspensions have been generated and tested at a number of excitation wavelengths as SERS substrates for DPA at ca 10 -5 M concentration. The colloid type and excitation frequency for optimum detection have been determined. Klarite SERS surfaces have also been tested for detection of low concentrations of DPA. SERS spectra of DPA have also been achieved with these surfaces, although as yet the conditions for maximum signal have not been fully ascertained. Colloidal Ag and Au SERS suspensions have been tested for a number of pesticides: chloropyrifos, dyfonate and diazinon. Optimum spectra have been achieved using dried deposits of the colloids and the spectral bands are now generally understood. IR spectra of on Bacillus thuringiensis, (sporulated and non sporulated) DPA and CaDPA have been recorded using an ATR. Preliminary hyperspectral images of partly sporulated Bacillus have been recorded and for comparison a non sporulating bacillus is now under culture.

Project Title	Survey of Australian rice blast races and cultivar susceptibility
RIRDC Project No.:	CPB-2A
Start Date:	24/03/2006
Finish Date:	30/11/2007
Researcher:	Dr Eric Cother
Organisation:	NSW DPI
Phone:	(02) 63 913 886
Fax:	(02) 63 913 899
Email:	ric.cother@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	Test the susceptibility status of our main rice cultivars and advanced breeding lines to the rice blast isolates present in our region
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	Surveys of wild Oryza species in the far NW of NT, the flood plains east of Darwin and in north Queensland near Mareeba and Cairns have detected many populations of diseased plants, many with symptoms typical of infection by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea . Although many leaf lesions are typical of blast disease, no conidia of the fungus have been observed on field specimens and the fungus has not been isolated from diseased tissue. Several fungi and bacteria have been consistently isolated from a range of lesions. Fungi of the Helminthosporium/Bipolaris complex are being tested for their pathogenicity to several Oryza species, including domestic rice cultivars. A smut disease was found in grain at Fogg Dam and early indications are that the pathogen may be an undescribed species of Tilletia . Samples have been sent overseas for confirmation. This may have important implications to the domestic rice industry if the smut fungus is a new species (as suspected) and is pathogenic to commercial cultivars. Four known bacterial pathogens have been isolated from diseased stems and glumes. Pathogenicity tests have demonstrated that these species are pathogenic to a widely grown rice cultivar, causing sterility or lower grain weights. One of the four pathogens is known to be present in NSW and the implications for the domestic industry in southern Australia could be serious should any of the other three species be introduced.

Project Title	Enhanced biosecurity planning tools
RIRDC Project No.:	CPB-3A
Start Date:	01-May-2006
Finish Date:	30-Apr-2009
Researcher:	Dr Paul de Barro
Organisation:	CRC for National Plant Biosecurity
Phone:	07 3214 2811
Fax:	07 3214 2885
Email:	paul@crcplantbiosecurity.com.au
Objectives	• To determine the optimum framework for undertaking biosecurity planning for new and emerging industries. • To expand and enhance the plant industry biosecurity planning process by developing a more rigorous tool for identifying and prioritising emergency plant pest threats that leads to more effective allocation of research resources. • To improve the method of communicating the purpose and intent of plant biosecurity to existing, new and emerging industries and the general community.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	• A discussion paper has been prepared and handed to RIRDC on the 29 th April 2007 . This document sets out the framework to be used to inform industry biosecurity risk management planning. • The aforementioned discussion paper presents a bioeconomic framework for estimating the potential tangible impact of invasive species over time, and presents two case studies demonstrating how the model works and the results it is able to produce. This document also highlighted the need for the planning process to recognise the limitations of quantitative modelling approaches, and the need to supplement quantitative assessments with other important information. • Research is continuing into the use of multi-criteria evaluation in ‘triple bottom line' assessments of management decisions. Dr David Cook recently attended a 3-day Masterclass in Ecological Economics (3-5 June, 2007) conducted by the European Society for Ecological Economics which focused on the use of quantitative and qualitative environmental and economic information in policy decision analysis. This involved interactive experiments showcasing Deliberative Multi-Criteria Evaluation (DMCE) techniques. Particular attention was focused on the communication of detailed information from ‘expert witnesses' to decision-makers. The course also highlighted the need to clearly outline the evaluation process to those making the decisions to enable them to ask the right questions and draw out appropriate information from experts. If this can be done, DMCE presents a very promising option as a decision-facilitation tool.

Project Title	Biosecurity and the small landholder – Linking spatial data to risk analysis
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-228A
Start Date:	30 Dec 2005
Finish Date:	30 Nov 2007
Researcher:	Carole Hollier and Michael Reid
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (VIC)
Phone:	02 6030 4500
Fax:	02 6030 4600
Email:	Carole.hollier@dpi.vic.gov.aui
Objectives	• Assess biosecurity risk associated with the small landholder sector. • Assist government to identify appropriate strategies to reduce biosecurity threat from this sector. • Develop new strategies for risk assessment.
Current Progress	Biosecurity communication and extension programs appear to be ad hoc in capturing the small farm sector. The research has applied a primary social based methodology in exploring small farms and biosecurity. The main research methods include mapping at a National and regional scale, and semi-structured interviews with small farmers across two distinct case study regions. Interviews have been completed in the north east region of Victoria and have been scheduled for the Swan Catchment in Western Australia . Both regions feature large numbers of small landholders interspersed with full time commercial farming operations. National and regional mapping demonstrates: • 12 regions of potential regions of concern in response to high densities of small farmers and targeted land-use • high connectivity between small farms and larger commercial operations, influencing pest plant and disease transmission pathways. Preliminary analysis of the interview data indicates: • Biosecurity is often not on the radar of the small farm sector, and land management issues such as animal health and weeds may be less of a priority. • Some possible issues of risk with the sector include poor awareness of land management responsibilities, inappropriate stock disposals, poor animal husbandry and alternative land management practices that may trigger weed infestations. • A lack of trust towards reporting sensitive issues to government departments. Social networks play an important role in information dissemination and influencing appropriate land management behaviour with the sector. Communication approaches will need to consider the diversity of land management practices within the sector and the associated challenges in tailoring messages. The research will improve deficiencies in current biosecurity programs in targeting the sector for biosecurity preparedness and prevention. A National Workshop will be held in October 2007 to present finding to influence communication strategy and extension programs with the sector.

Project Title	Assessment and communication of risk in agricultural quarantine issues
RIRDC Project No.:	CSU-36A
Start Date:	1 Aug 2005
Finish Date:	15 Nov 2007 (revised)
Researcher:	Prof Margaret Alston (with Prof Allan Curtis, Prof John Tulloch & Ms Andrea Grant)
Organisation:	Charles Sturt University
Phone:	02 6933 2783
Fax:	02 6933 2293
Email:	Malston@csu.edu.au
Objectives	• Identify the social construction of quarantine risk across organisational, media, industry and other sub-cultures. • Identify different risk discourses used in the assessment and communication of quarantine risk between scientific experts, across different stakeholder groups and between experts and non-experts. • Explore the impact of scientific uncertainty on the assessment and communication of quarantine risk.
Current Progress	This study aims to explore different responses to pest and disease import risk and to provide decision-makers with a better understanding of environments in which they communicate risk. The study is being conducted in two stages. Stage one involves a qualitative analysis of interviews and documents. Analysis of data from stage one will inform focus groups and survey of stakeholders in citrus, pork and bee industries in stage two. Stage one of the research has been completed with analysis of interviews from the bee, citrus and pork industries, and textual data from government, industry and newsprint media. Three interim reports describing analysis and findings for the three industry cases and a separate report on the media study are in progress. These reports document findings from interviews with industry members including breeders, producers, processors, marketers, exporters and industry leaders as well as textual content from media. The reports outline different discourses drawn on in the construction of risk, revealing a set of complex and interwoven responses to risk with implications for risk communication. Based on issues emerging from preliminary analysis data has been explored with a view to identify the communication needs for risk assessment and management. Given the complex nature of the field of assessment - including analysis of various risk pathways, regulatory mechanisms, production practices, regional differences, political ideologies and industry vulnerabilities – there are a variety of responses to risk and its acceptability. We propose approaches for greater integration of the scientific dimensions of risk with an understanding of the broader context of the everyday practice and experience of those involved in risk assessment and its management. As a first step we identify key areas in which the assessment of risk would benefit from dialogic approach to risk communication including geographic dimensions of risk, surveillance knowledge and capacity, consequence analysis and comparative market advantage, practice implications for risk vulnerability, responsibilities and regulatory dimensions of risk. Stage two of our research has commenced in which we test our findings from industry interviews and textual data with a wider audience through focus groups and survey. Data collected from phase one representing different rationalities of risk is being used in focus group and survey methods to further define areas in which shared understandings of risk could be facilitated. The project aims to improve awareness of the social and cultural dimensions of pest and disease import risk and contribute to the resilience of Australian agricultural industries in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.