Australian grain growers are facing increasing 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 crop protection in practical, sustainable ways that bring real benefits to agronomists, their clients and the grains biosecurity system.
Project stages
- Stage 1 (until September 2026): Interviews, a survey, and workshops with agronomists and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration. It focuses on the grain growing regions in the west, south and north.
- Stage 2 (September 2026 - September 2027): 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 by September 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 July 2026, we are seeking input from agronomists and others who work closely with agronomists to help identify and explore opportunities where working together on aspects of grains biosecurity can deliver benefits for agronomists, the biosecurity system and therefore for industry more broadly.
Participation currently involves interviews (including online options), with a survey 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.