Federated Farmers Arable, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), the Flour Millers Association, the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) and United Wheat Growers, held extensive consultations before agreeing to form SGRR and sign up to the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity Readiness and Response.

Ironically, the formal signing was done by distance rather than at an official ceremony, due to a biological intruder, COVID-19.

SGRR Chair, Alison Stewart is very pleased that after years of discussions and development, SGRR is finally over the line 

“It’s great to see SGRR up and running and know that all the signatories have this partnership with MPI Biosecurity and with the other primary sectors who have already signed up. It means we are confident that we can work with all groups to address specific grain and seed, as well as cross-sector biosecurity risks.

Deputy Director-General of Biosecurity New Zealand, Penny Nelson, says the signing of the GIA deed shows the arable industry is taking biosecurity seriously.

“Unwanted pests and diseases can have a significant impact on growers and the wider industry,” Ms Nelson says. “It’s crucial we have a plan in place and we’re ready to work together to respond to biosecurity hazards. All of us have a role to play to protect our primary industries and our environment from unwanted pests and diseases. 

“Biosecurity New Zealand has strict precautions in place to stop biosecurity hazards from getting into the country. If they do happen to make it in, then the GIA partnership ensures Government and the cropping industry are in a stronger position to respond to things that could harm the industry.”

SGRR has become the 21st  partner organisation to sign the GIA deed, joining MPI and a wide range of primary sector organisations reflecting the full extent of New Zealand’s crucial primary industries.