❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the temporary closure of the DPIRD Diagnostic Laboratory Services South Perth site and its impact on seed testing services. The response outlines alternative testing arrangements, prioritisation of export samples, and ongoing procurement for new facilities.
AnsweredQoN 1795Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Can you confirm which accredited laboratories are being used to provide seed testing services during the closure of the DPIRD Diagnostic Laboratory Services South Perth site ? (2) What specific seed tests are affected by the suspension of services at the South Perth site, and how will the quality and turnaround time be impacted during this transition to other labs? (3) Has DPIRD conducted any assessments on the potential delays or disruptions to the upcoming harvest season due to this closure? If so, what are the findings and contingency plans? (4) What is the expected timeline for the reestablishment of seed testing services at the new biosecurity response centre and will the range of available seed testing services be offered with more efficient turnaround times? (5) Will any additional support or resources be provided to farmers or others needing seed testing during this transitional period to ensure that seed quality testing continues uninterrupted? (6) What specific measures are in place to ensure that seed certification and field inspections are not compromised despite the suspension of seed testing at the South Perth site?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
26 November 2024
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Small Business
Response time
7 days
(1) Seed Services Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.
(2) Testing for germination, pure seed content, determination of other seeds by number (i.e. weed seed check), seed variety identification (for barley and subterranean clover only) and canola vigour testing.
The quality and turnaround time for tests being undertaken by Seed Services Australia is managed by DPIRD in close consultation with submitters to ensure minimal impact.
(3) Seed testing is performed post-harvest and prioritised to meet export timeframes.
(4) Procurement process for new modular laboratories to accommodate seed testing services at the new State Biosecurity Response Centre (SBRC) are underway.
(5) DPIRD is facilitating the triage and courier of seed samples for testing to Seed Services Australia to ensure minimal disruption to farmers and exporters.
(6) There is no impact to field inspections and crop certification.
(2) Testing for germination, pure seed content, determination of other seeds by number (i.e. weed seed check), seed variety identification (for barley and subterranean clover only) and canola vigour testing.
The quality and turnaround time for tests being undertaken by Seed Services Australia is managed by DPIRD in close consultation with submitters to ensure minimal impact.
(3) Seed testing is performed post-harvest and prioritised to meet export timeframes.
(4) Procurement process for new modular laboratories to accommodate seed testing services at the new State Biosecurity Response Centre (SBRC) are underway.
(5) DPIRD is facilitating the triage and courier of seed samples for testing to Seed Services Australia to ensure minimal disruption to farmers and exporters.
(6) There is no impact to field inspections and crop certification.
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