GrainGrowers is calling for a reset of Australia’s biosecurity system as Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) breached the NSW border in November, 2023. 

A Federal senate inquiry into the issue was referred late last year, tasked with investigating expected costs and impacts, if red imported fire ants are able to spread across Australia, on human health, social amenity, agriculture, the environment, infrastructure and regional workers. 

In their submission, GrainGrowers said “RIFA is a significant concern for the Australia’s $31 billion grains industry. Fire ants can damage crops by chewing through the seed and reducing germination”.  

“According to the Invasive Species Council, fire ants can reduce agricultural output by approximately 10 per cent1 in cropping land, however there are examples of far more intense damage” it said.  

“Indeed, a review from 2016 found a 20 per cent reduction in sorghum yield in an outbreak in Arkansas, and there are some circumstances where complete crop failures can occur”. 

GrainGrowers said Australia’s agriculture industry had lost confidence with the state and federal government’s approach to biosecurity. 

“A successful response to RIFA will require a groundswell of support and engagement by industries and communities to bring about change and truly make a difference” it said. 

While the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association wrote “The costs of Fire Ant infestations to the USA are estimated to be over $6 billion per year. In the State of Texas, with climatic conditions similar to Australia, it is over $1 billion per year”. 

The organisation requested an expanded Timber Pest Inspection Code of Practice, Collaboration with relevant state and federal biosecurity authorities, Public awareness campaigns and warns against handing over free bait to the public. 

CSIRO has also called for increased monitoring at key border locations where RIFA may be getting in. 

But the strongest criticism came from the GrainGrowers who said there is a lack of transparency in Australia’s biosecurity system, a lack of continuous improvement and that it's under-resourced. 

“There is currently very little information available targeted toward our industry that can help growers understand the risks and what to look out for” GrainGrowers explained. 

“On the ground growers need access to appropriate resources in order to be alert and play a role in the RIFA response”. 

Submissions for the Red Imported Fire Ants Inquiry will be accepted until 29 January, 2024.