Several primary industry sector groups have joined forces to trial a new biosecurity traceability programme in what is a groundbreaking move for New Zealand's biosecurity landscape. The six-month trial will test whether an online biosecurity traceability programme makes it easier and faster to detect and respond to outbreaks of pests and diseases.

Biosecurity New Zealand, Kiwifruit Vine Health, New Zealand Winegrowers, NZ Pork, Aquaculture New Zealand, New Zealand Avocado, and New Zealand Apples and Pears have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with New Zealand Agri-Tech company Onside. The MOU was signed in late 2023.

Onside will work with each organisation to roll out and evaluate the effectiveness of its biosecurity traceability programme, called Onside Intelligence, in their sectors.

“This partnership marks an exciting step forward in bolstering New Zealand’s biosecurity readiness,” Onside’s chief executive Ryan Higgs said.

“Farmers and growers are constantly innovating, and we’re proud to be providing them with technology to safeguard our all-important primary sector.

“More than 1,300 farmers and growers from the MOU signatories have already activated the Onside Intelligence feature, and many more use Onside’s app. 

“As part of the MOU, we’ll be offering tools for data collection, traceability software, robust privacy features, and comprehensive support and training to get more users on board.”

The MOU signatories are part of the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA). It is a formal partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and 23 industry organisations.

The GIA’s chief executive, Steve Rich, emphasised the importance of the new joint effort.

"By evaluating traceability options, including Onside, GIA’s partners aim to enhance capabilities for effective biosecurity response and readiness,” Steve Rich said.

“This initiative signifies partners’ dedication to exploring innovative tools for a more secure primary sector environment."

The MOU outlines plans for a comprehensive six-month evaluation to gauge how well Onside’s traceability programme works across the primary sectors covered by GIA parties. This collaboration sets the stage for potential long-term partnerships through a prospective GIA Operational Agreement.

This collaborative approach ensures joint decision-making, allowing both industry and government to actively manage biosecurity risks, safeguarding primary industries and the national economy from potential threats.

About GIA

The Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA) is a formal partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries and 23 industry organisations. Established in 2014, the agreement is governed by a Deed outlining shared commitments to enhance New Zealand's biosecurity. Under GIA, partners collectively identify and address priority pests and diseases, pooling resources and expertise to mitigate incursion risks and efficiently respond to outbreaks. This collaborative approach ensures joint decision-making, allowing both industry and government to actively manage biosecurity risks, safeguarding primary industries and the national economy from potential threats.

About Onside Intelligence

Onside Intelligence is a comprehensive biosecurity management platform that supports primary sector industries with biosecurity preparedness and response. The platform offers a suite of tools to streamline data collection, trace and analyse movements within an industry and provide valuable insights to support better biosecurity management. 

Onside provides interactive tools to explore movement data and other industry-specific biosecurity insights, including real-time traceability exercises. Onside also offers a mobile app that supports on-farm biosecurity, digital visitor management, geospatial property mapping health and safety compliance and contractor management.

For further inquiries, please contact

• Ryan Higgs at Onside (ryan@onside.co.nz) or
• Steve Rich at GIA (021 445 180)