Trevor Recognised for his Biosecurity Efforts.
Congratulations go to Trevor Ranford who recently received a 2022 Australian Biosecurity Award in the Industry category, as well as the inaugural SA Premier’s Horticulture Award for Biosecurity.
Left: Trevor with his National Award
In the national award Trevor was recognised for his contribution to the management of the 2010 to 20920 national chestnut blight emergency response. Over the course of his 45 year career, Trevor has been a passionate advocate for the industries he represents, including Chestnuts Australia Inc., the Pistachio Growers Association Inc., Hazelnut Growers of Australia Inc., the Australian Walnut Industry Association Inc., and Summerfruit Australia Ltd.
The Australian Biosecurity Awards are presented by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have shown a commitment to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity and the systems that underpin it.
Despite a difficult beginning and numerous challenges, Trevor was instrumental in building a stronger partnership between Agriculture Victoria and Chestnuts Australia Inc. to ensure practical outcomes for industry for the long-term management of chestnut blight.
Trevor and the chestnut industry were adamant that chestnut blight could be eradicated, despite many views that it could not.
Trevor worked proactively with Agriculture Victoria to develop a transition-to-management plan, which enabled the industry to manage chestnut blight, which the Australian Nutgrower has reported on over the years.
In the citation for the award it said “Trevor’s leadership has:
- strengthened awareness of the chestnut industry and the broader community in the management of chestnut blight;
- resulted in a sustainable and effective industry-led surveillance program that supports ongoing on-property management of chestnut blight and pest status claims; and
- enabled the effective management of chestnut blight in a long-term sustainable manner.”
Despite the response officially ending in December 2020, Trevor advocated to secure funding from Agriculture Victoria to support further work on chestnut blight until 2023. Funding will continue to support Chestnut Australia Inc. and the industry biosecurity officer, under Trevor’s leadership, to identify and manage chestnut blight into the future.
Trevor was also involved in the national emergency response to khapra beetle (2020 to 2022). This response was coordinated by the Australian Government and delivered across 5 states – a first in size and scale for an emergency plant pest response. Trevor was open to the development of a risk-based approach, which led to the establishment of a technical working group focused on national risk pathways and mitigation methods.
Trevor Ranford was nominated by Dr Rosa Crnov from Agriculture Victoria. His award was one of two presented for contribution to industry. In total 10 awards were presented.
SA Premiers Horticulture Award
Left: Trevor with the Minister for Department of Primary Industry and Regions, the Hon. Clare Scriven. Image courtesy Heidi Wolff
Trevor is ‘a man with many hats’ and his work with Summerfruit Australia was recognised in the SA Premier’s Horticulture Awards on May 18 2023. He received the Biosecurity Award which was sponsored by the Department of Primary Industry and Regions SA.
Well done Trevor! The Pistachio Industry has been very lucky to have had your dedication and leadership skills working for them.