Seven Hills High School Biosecurity Seven Hills High School

Table of Contents Biosecurity Main Biosecurity Risks How Researchers Are Responding How Farmers Are Responding How The Government Is Responding

Biosecurity Biosecurity encompasses the different methods designed to protect farms, the environment, the economy, and people’s health, from pests and diseases. Without strong biosecurity, our biodiversity would be compromised and we would not have access to fresh and safe food and clean water.

What is the main biosecurity risk to the cotton industry? The main biosecurity concern to the cotton industry would be making sure that not only cotton but also other crops are regularly checked and your farm is clean. Not all pests are bad. Some pests eat right through the plant, killing it. Others kill these pests and protect the plant. Sometimes this causes a risk in itself. Take, for instance, the cane toad Machinery, visitors and workers can also bring in and take out pests without knowing. The pests can attach themselves to the clothes and shoes the farmers wear and the wheels of the machinery.

How are farmers responding to the risk? Farmers have agronomists (soil and plant scientists) check their farm frequently. Farmers ensure that all seeds (cotton and other crops) and farming equipment that are brought in are pest-free. Ensuring that workers, visitors and vehicles that can carry and spread pests onto farms, are decontaminated before they are brought into the farm and before they leave. Farmers have a designated visitors area, that provides a wash down for the machinery and people who enter and leave the farm.

How are governments responding to these risks? Governments are ensuring that all farmers have a clean farm and that they have all the equipment needed to clean themselves and their machinery. Governments ensure that anyone who enters Australia is checked thoroughly and any diseases that may be carried with them or with their luggage is immediately sent back to the country from where it came.

How are researchers responding to this risk? Researchers are responding to this risk by trying to find non-harmful methods to help safeguard our biosecurity. Researchers have created a chemical that eradicates pests that harm plants but does not harm the pests that protect the plant.

Bibliography http://cottonaustralia.com.au/ https://organiccotton.org/oc/Cotton-general/Impact-of-cotton/Risk-of-cotton-farming.php http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity http://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/ http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/johnny-depps-pistol-and-boo-case-might-be-revisited-20170626-gwz4ik.html

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