Lupins are moving for hungry NSW and Queensland livestock. Image – Cowra Seed & Grain.

BIOSECURITY protocols and processes allowing interstate lupins to move into and through drought-affected New South Wales have been finalised by industry and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

NSW DPI said the new biosecurity permits have opened lupin supply lines from Western Australia and South Australia to feed livestock in the state.

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 has 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.”

Stockfeed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia executive officer said the body had worked closely with NSW DPI to negotiate treatment processes to ensure anthracnose is covered, including a transport protocol for the movement of lupins through NSW into Queensland.

Lupin grain from WA and SA which does not meet the strict conditions is not permitted in NSW, NSW DPI said. 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.

NSW DPI plant pathologist, Kurt Lindbeck, said a five-point lupin anthracnose management plan is helping keep NSW free of the disease.

“NSW lupin growers have a distinct advantage over growers in WA and SA, with access to more lupin varieties and lower production costs,” Dr Lindbeck said.

“A lupin anthracnose-free NSW saves the industry an estimated $5.5 million in annual control costs.”

Enquiries to move lupins into NSW should be made to Domestic Quarantine 1800 084 881 or [email protected]

Penalties apply for illegal imports of lupin into NSW from WA and SA and more information is available on the NSW DPI website, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/feed-and-fodder