What’s Happening?
Australia’s horticulture sector is strengthening its global export position as the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) marks two years of progress.
The program is backed by Hort Innovation and delivered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries through a national consortium.
More than 60 researchers and technical experts are involved across Australia.
For our local readers, the key local link is the National Export Market Access Centre for Horticulture at Redlands, Brisbane.
Principal Research Scientist at Queensland DPI and FASTA Market Access Component Lead Pauline Wyatt said teams are working on disinfestation and treatment research.
“In Cairns, the new National Export Market Access Centre for Horticulture, at Redlands, Brisbane, and in Perth at DPIRD Western Australia, our teams are working full speed to generate the scientific evidence that underpins trade,” Ms Wyatt said.
“Through FASTA we now have 22 trained researchers working at full capacity to generate the science growers need to access new markets.”
Why It Matters?
The work supports Australian growers trying to reach high value markets and protect crops from pest threats.
Hort Innovation GM Trade and Biosecurity Research and Development, Dr Mila Bristow, said FASTA is producing work that will support growers for decades.
“FASTA is building the evidence, tools and capability that underpin Australia’s access to high value markets,” Dr Bristow said.
“In just two years, we’re seeing tangible outcomes that will benefit growers for decades to come.”
She said Australian researchers and growers are setting priorities across market access, pest management and biosecurity.
“The program reflects Australia’s ambition to become a world leader in data driven, science backed trade,” Dr Bristow said.
By The Numbers
- $130 million is the scale of Australia’s horticulture export push connected to FASTA’s national work.
- More than 100 activities are currently underway across market access, biosecurity and integrated pest management.
- 22 trained researchers are now working at full capacity through FASTA to build the science growers need.
Local Impact
Redlands has a direct role in the national program through the National Export Market Access Centre for Horticulture.
That gives the local area a clear connection to work that supports growers, trade talks and export readiness.
The research is not just lab-based. It is being used to support international negotiations and pest management systems.
FASTA has already helped develop technical reports for bilateral negotiations, including market access work for blueberries and mainland apples into Asia.
Zoom In
The program is also advancing pest control and surveillance research.
Lucy McLay, Research Scientist at Agriculture Victoria, said FASTA’s parasitoid work could support growers dealing with Queensland fruit fly.
“Our research demonstrates that the establishment of natural enemies of Queensland fruit fly in areas where they have been previously absent, can work hand in hand with growers management efforts,” Ms McLay said.
She said this could help reduce fruit fly pressure, cut reliance on chemicals and protect yield and market access.
Professor Peter Prentis from Queensland University of Technology said researchers are also studying how Queensland fruit fly populations persist in the environment.
“Growers already put a lot of time and money into trapping fruit fly and working together across regions to keep numbers down and protect trade,” Professor Prentis said.
“Our research is focused on helping target that effort where it will have the biggest impact, which could help lower costs for growers.”
Senior Research Scientist at Agriculture Victoria Alex Piper said DNA tools are helping improve pest surveillance.
“When a pest like Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, or a new exotic threat shows up in previously pest-free areas, the cost can be huge,” Mr Piper said.
He said DNA differences can show whether pests are breeding on farms or coming from elsewhere.
Zoom Out
FASTA is designed as a long-term investment in Australia’s horticulture sector.
Its work covers market access, sustainable pest management and national biosecurity preparedness.
The program has also supported the National Exotic Fruit Fly in Torres Strait Eradication Program through audits of field control activities.
Twelve university students have completed or are progressing through PhD and Honours programs linked to FASTA.
The alliance is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from government, universities and industry groups.
What To Look For Next?
FASTA is expected to keep building the science and systems that support market access and export growth.
For Redlands, the local centre’s role gives the region a place in national horticulture research that could help growers protect crops and reach more markets.
