Australian grain growers are facing increasing biosecurity risks from pests, weeds, and diseases due to trade, climate change, and the movement of pests. Managing these risks relies not only on science but also on strong communication, collaboration and coordination between government, industry, and other key stakeholders.
Agronomists play a key role as trusted advisors to growers. This project - Creating win-wins in grains biosecurity with agronomists - explores how working together can strengthen grains biosecurity in practical, sustainable ways that bring real benefits to agronomists, their clients and the grains biosecurity system.
Project stages
- Stage 1 (early 2026): Interviews, a survey, and workshops with agronomists and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration.
- Stage 2 (mid 2026): The outcomes of Stage 1 will inform the next steps of the project, which may include a pilot program codesigned with agronomists.
The project is due for completion in mid-2027.
About the project
ABARES Social Sciences Program is leading this research which is funded by the National Grains Diagnostic and Surveillance Initiative (NGDSI).
The NGDSI is a partnership between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and departments responsible for agriculture across the Australian Government and various state governments.
The research is supported by a reference group of industry and government representatives.
Get involved
From February to April 2026, we are seeking input from agronomists and others who work closely with agronomists to help ensure future grains biosecurity initiatives better reflect real‑world professional practice.
Participation currently involves interviews (including online options), with surveys and workshops to follow as the project progresses.
Your input will help identify:
- Where biosecurity fits – or doesn’t fit – within everyday agronomy practice.
- Practical constraints and pressures faced by agronomists.
- Opportunities to design approaches that work better for both biosecurity outcomes and agronomists’ priorities.
To register your interest or learn more, contact
socialsciences.abares@aff.gov.au.
Stay updated
This page will be updated regularly as the project progresses. For more information, contact Laura Butler, the Project Officer, on socialsciences.abares@aff.gov.au.