Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Celeste Cook as its new Plant Protection Officer based in Queensland and Northern NSW, under the levy-funded (NY15004).
With a background in animal and plant biosecurity, horticulture and teaching, Celeste has 10 years’ experience working both on-farm, and in a consultation and promotional services position for a major horticultural chemical manufacturer.
Celeste plans to help growers with the successful implementation of robust plant protection systems, such as BioSecure HACCP. These programs aim to improve crop management outcomes across a wide range of areas, such as better pesticide selection and use.
“I look forward to working alongside Australian growers to develop and implement plant protection systems for the benefit of their businesses, and the industry as a whole,” Celeste said.
“My aim is to work directly with growers to promote increased Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and to share the benefits of consistent and frequent crop monitoring, to help inform business decision-making.
“Having an effective plant protection system has many benefits, including decreased pesticide usage, reduced crop damage and throw outs, as well as improved traceability and an understanding of what’s working well in the business.”
As Plant Protection Officer, Celeste will take on the following roles and responsibilities:
- Provide on-farm support to industry stakeholders in the implementation of key plant protection aspects of the Nursery Production Farm Management System programs.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of the National Nursery Industry Biosecurity Program; delivering a range of plant protection services across NIASA, EcoHort and BioSecure HACCP).
- Industry engagement and liaison with production nurseries, greenlife markets and growing media manufacturers across Queensland and Northern New South Wales (Coffs Harbour to Cairns) across all aspects of plant protection.
If you are a production nursery, greenlife market or growing media manufacturer in Queensland or Northern NSW and would like to get in touch with Celeste, she can be contacted at: Celeste.Cook@greenlifeindustry.com.au
Celeste’s role has been funded through the Research Agreement (RA) between Hort Innovation and Nursery & Garden Industry Australia.
For more information:
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia
Kobie Keenan
(02) 8861 5100
info@ngia.com.au
www.ngia.com.au