NSW DPI plant product integrity and standards manager Janine O'Donnell said access to new sources of lupin would help ease the high cost of the grain for stockfeed, which had been in short supply due to the ongoing drought.
“More than 273 tonnes of lupin grain from Western Australia and South Australia has been imported into NSW under the strict conditions of biosecurity permits, which have been put in place to protect NSW from the devastating plant disease, lupin anthracnose,” Ms O’Donnell said.
“NSW DPI has worked with industry to validate processes, including grinding, steaming and microwave treatments, which can eliminate the risk of spreading lupin anthracnose.
“Following extensive biosecurity risk assessments, we have approved the importation of lupin grain under the permits which detail the requirements that must be followed.”
Lupin grain from WA and SA, which does not meet these strict conditions, is not permitted into NSW.
Lupin grown in Victoria, which remains free of lupin anthracnose, can be brought into NSW.
Lupin anthracnose was successfully eradicated in NSW following the first confirmed occurrence of the disease in commercial lupin crops on six eastern Riverina farms in October 2016.
The joint NSW DPI and Local Land Services eradication campaign has protected NSW’s $65 million lupin industry from the disease.
Inquiries to move lupins into NSW should be made to Domestic Quarantine on 1800 084 881 or quarantine@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Penalties apply for illegal imports of lupin into NSW from WA and SA, and more information is available at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/feed-and-fodder
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