The Primary Industry Training Organisation (ITO), together with horticulture industry, has developed a biosecurity micro-credential (a short, focused piece of learning) to enhance industry biosecurity capability. The micro-credential covers biosecurity principles, on-farm practices, and an assessment component, and has been developed under the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework, targeting grower owner-operators and supervisors/managers (NZQA Level 5).  It is designed to give an individual an understanding of biosecurity, what risks are present on their farm/orchard, how to prioritise and manage them, and then asks how practices can be put in place or improved (the assessment component).

The course was tested through a series of pilots late last year, with very positive feedback from attendees. The micro-credential programme is now being rolled out further with a number of additional courses. Places on the course are limited so if you would like to attend the please email Anna Rathé [] for more information.